Helen Giblin

Helen “Bobbi” (Moore) Giblin, 83, passed away peacefully Feb. 2, 2018, at the AngelsGrace Hospice, in Oconomowoc, following a brief illness. Bobbi was born in St. Louis, and grew up in Rosiclare, Illinois. She graduated with the Rosiclare Community High School Class of 1952. In her early years, Bobbi enjoyed playing golf, tennis and baseball, and had a powerful throwing arm. Her sports talents were not passed along to her children, or matched by her husband or any of their friends. She also loved water skiing at the family’s cabin on Kentucky Lake, and often reminisced about wonderful times spent on the lake. In later years, she still liked to watch professional tennis. She met her future husband, Owen, from Chicago, and they were married in 1956. After living in Illinois, they crossed the Cheddar Curtain in 1963 to become oleo smugglers, settling in Oconomowoc. She enjoyed family; friends; company trips with her husband; cross-country skiing; outdoor fires; and both swimming and canoeing in Fowler Lake and the Oconomowoc River. She loved Oconomowoc and Wisconsin life, but loathed winter and cold weather and, every year, threatened to move south. Her kitchen table was famous as a gathering place for friends to talk over cocktails. She had a strong love of bourbon. She also was known for her cooking. With southern/hillbilly roots, she would serve foods made with loving care, after a week on the stove or in the oven, or a very lengthy time in the frying pan. She also favored salt, and even would add salt to a Virginia ham. Late in life, she learned the benefits of “medium rare”, and her prime rib and legs of lamb became family favorites, as did her corned beef. Bobbi is survived by sons, Robert (Debbie) Giblin, Jefferson, and Paul Giblin, Mukwonago. She delighted in spending time with her three grandchildren, Becky Giblin, Phoenix; Erin Giblin, Madison; and Ally Giblin, East Troy and Mukwonago. She also enjoyed visiting with her numerous nieces and nephews, and their children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Owen “Uncle Owey” Giblin, and a baby daughter, Barbara. Bobbi preferred to be remembered for her spirit and sense of humor. As such, there will be no funeral service, but a gathering of family and friends to celebrate her life is being planned. In lieu of flowers or other memorials, she requested contributions to the Western Lakes Fire District – EMS Donations, in Oconomowoc. Family members also thank the staff – especially the nurses – at ProHealth Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital, and the staff and volunteers at AngelsGrace Hospice, for their wonderful care and support.