Faye H. Barbeau

Faye Hankins Barbeau passed away peacefully in Boston, Massachusetts, on June 21, 2024 at the age of 91. Born to Frank and Myrtle Hankins in Ironton, Ohio, Faye enjoyed time spent as a child at her grandparent’s country store just outside of town, as well as walks through the now historic Route 75 tunnel with her siblings which led them to the hills beyond. 

Faye obtained her associates degree from The Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She met James Byron Barbeau, who was at the time a student of the Ohio State University, in the lobby of her sorority house after one of his friends arranged a blind date. Jim was smitten, and one month later they were married. 

Faye and Jim moved to Cincinnati, Ohio shortly thereafter where they raised three children, Kennedy, Jaye, and Thomas. They were married 62 years until Jim’s passing in August 2018.

 Faye’s first love was teaching, and she spent many years as a substitute teacher in Batavia and Milford, Ohio. Possessing exceptional executive skills along with a love for people, Faye was the consummate organizer and manager. Whether it was her volunteer work to grow the YWCA in Clermont County, Ohio, support of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, or simply helping oversee the scheduling of the coffee hour at church, Faye was loved and respected for her intelligence, drive, and effectiveness. After many happy years as a young teacher and volunteer, Faye resolved to start a different direction in life in the mid 1970’s. Following much soul searching, she came to the conclusion that her background in teaching and volunteer work made her perfectly suited to the real estate profession. She subsequently enjoyed a rewarding and successful career as a real estate agent, and took pride in the fact she was the first female to earn a spot in the Million Dollar Club during her initial year. 

 Faye’s faith was of foremost importance to her, and she walked in simple faith with the Lord daily. She was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Terrace Park, Ohio for over 50 years, and she and Jim helped establish the local Stephen’s Ministry lay ministry program there, which is now an integral part of the church’s ministry. She was a powerful prayer warrior, and her quiet prayers on behalf of others were answered in miraculous ways. 

Above all else, Faye was a devoted and beloved wife, mother, and grand-mother. She showed commitment to her family not just in words, but in her deeds, giving them the full measure of her love, strength, commitment, support, and passion up to her final day. She taught her children at a young age that “God is in everything,” and, as the long weeks of either literal or spiritual winter drug on, she would encourage them by saying, “Spring is just around the corner!” Indeed it is. 

Faye is preceded in death by her husband, James Barbeau, parents, Frank and Myrtle Hankins, sister, Wanda Fairchild, and brother, Jim Hankins. She is survived by her sister, Donna Ross, three children, Kennedy Matter, Jaye Barbeau, and Thomas Barbeau, as well as 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

Memorial Service

 July 27, 2024

11 AM

 St. Thomas Episcopal Church 

 100 Miami Avenue

 Terrace Park, Ohio 45174

 Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church