Barbara Ann (Gilbert) Paul, 75, passed away peacefully at her home in Largo, Fla.

Born in Plattsburgh, the oldest of four children, Barbara was the only daughter of the late Deacon Joseph Gilbert II and the late Marion (Gravelle) Gilbert; she was a proud lifelong community member of Au Sable Forks until her retirement to Largo, Fla., in 2008.

The fun-filled "people person" Barbara was, she wore several career hats in the customer service arena that included being one of the countless ORDA employees during the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, waitressing at a variety of local restaurants, a hostess at the

former Lake Placid Hilton and Floral Manager at Price Chopper. Barbara's most cherished career choice was owning and operating her own successful floral shop for many years, "Michael's Floral Expressions." She named the business in memory of her son Michael who passed away in a tragic car accident.

A zest for life, Barbara was blessed with a personality filled with laughter and a sense of humor. Her laugh was infectious and could be heard across the room. As times were tough throughout her

life as a single mother to three children, Barbara pressed through them with much positivity and determination. The family unit was a priority in her life and was demonstrated through her love for family gatherings, cooking and the holiday season, to name a few. Barbara was an avid bowler beginning in the 1970's as a team member for Sharkey's Dollys at Riverside Bowling Lanes. During her retirement along the Gulf of Mexico, Barbara relished in her days at the beach and travels throughout the "Sunshine State" with her best friend and husband Norman. Shortly after their move to Florida, Barbara developed fun and lasting friendships with many neighbors of the Caribbean Isles Retirement community. Until her cancer diagnosis, Barbara would enjoy virtually everyday at the Clubhouse either having lunch with the ladies, a lazy poolside day or assisting with the coordination of a function.

Left to cherish Barbara's memories are her beloved husband, Norman Paul, daughters Michelle (Michael) Jackson and Daniella Smith, her first-born grandchild whom Barbara considered a third daughter, Brittany (Elvis) Garrow, granddaughters, Keirstin Whitney, Emily (Dan) Moore, Victoria Whitney, Renee Sousie, Alexandria Bombard, Jamie Bombard, her only grandson, Irie Jackson and great-grandchildren, Quinn, Triton, Avery, Scarlett, Noel, Mason, Blake and baby Cullen (due to arrive in 2020). In addition to her pride and joys, Barbara is survived by her brothers Bruce (Linda) Gilbert, Gene (Kevin) Gilbert and her sister-in-law, Sandra Gilbert along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and her Floridian friends.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was predeceased by her son Michael O'Donahue, granddaughter Abbigail O'Donahue and brother, Joseph Gilbert III.

A Celebration of Barbara's life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14th, 2019, at 11 a.m. at the Holy Name Church/Au Sable Forks followed by a Reception at the Au Sable Forks Fire Department.