Obituary of Barbara Ann Le Bihan

Barbara Ann (Van De Mark) Le Bihan

January 3, 1935 - November 1, 2024

Barbara Ann (Van De Mark) Le Bihan, born in the Bronx, New York, on January 3, 1935, to Andrew J. Van De Mark and Emma L. (Ficker) Van De Mark, peacefully passed away surrounded by her loved ones on Friday, November 1, 2024.  A cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, Barbara lived a life full of love, service, and compassion.

After graduating from Clifton High School, Barbara pursued an Associate’s Degree in Chemistry from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She began her professional career as a lab technician with Hoffmann-La Roche in Nutley, NJ, where she met her beloved husband, John Le Bihan. They married on August 17, 1957, and settled in Elmwood Park, NJ, eventually moving to Washington, NJ, where they raised their family. While her children were in school, Barbara served her community as a crossing guard and police matron. Later, she returned to Hoffmann-La Roche in Belvidere as a lab technician, retiring in 1993.

Barbara’s faith was central to her life. She was an active member of the Washington United Methodist Church, where she served as a Youth Group Advisor, Staff Parish representative, Lay Speaker, Operation Christmas Child Organizer, and participated in the Shut-in Card Ministry. Her commitment to service extended to the Washington Board of Education, where she worked to improve education for her community.

A lifelong Girl Scout, Barbara shared her passion for scouting as a leader and Neighborhood Chairman, inspiring young girls with her love for nature, adventure, and community. She also found joy in knitting and scrapbooking.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Michelle Biggs (John Biggs) and Yvonne Heitmann (John Heitmann); her son, Alan Le Bihan (Holly Thompson) Le Bihan; her sisters, Jean Jaeger and Andrea Isak; her cherished grandchildren, Michael Biggs, Ryan Spillane, Joshua Biggs, Laura Biggs, Elizabeth (Heitmann) Healy (Richard Healy), John Heitmann, Christopher Le Bihan, Cory Le Bihan, and Gabrielle Le Bihan; and her great-grandchildren, Kyla, Cozette, Jacob, Fea, Noah and Dakota. In addition to her parents, Barbara was predeceased by her loving husband, John Yves Le Bihan, and her sister, Patricia Keslo.

Barbara’s legacy of kindness, faith, and dedication will live on through those she touched. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and community, who were all blessed to have known her.

A service celebrating Barbara's life will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1500 Plainfield Ave, South Plainfield, NJ 07080 on November 11, 2024.  Visitation at 10:30 / Service at 11:00.  There will be a repass following the service in fellowship hall.