Barbara Thomas passed peacefully on November 3, 2025 after a battle with cancer. Born in Lancaster, Ohio to Leota and Robert Thomas, Barbara studied chemistry at Miami University of Ohio where she met her husband, Tom. She went on to earn her PhD from Cornell University in Inorganic Chemistry. She then began her career at Colgate Palmolive where she worked for 38 years in their technology team, where she pushed for sustainable and safe personal care products.

Tom and Barbara moved to Princeton in 1998 where they raised their two kids, Sarah and Kyle. Barbara was an active member of the Princeton community and enjoyed sharing her love of science at annual Riverside Science Days. She cared deeply for the environment, participating in many local trail cleanups and supporting the creation of a public trail in the Riverside neighborhood. She was also proud of her garden and her annual tomato harvest.

Barbara was a lifelong Girl Scout. She led local Girl Scout Troop 71830 and has spent over two decades supporting women and girls in the Princeton area. She guided her troop to complete the highest awards in scouting and has since continued to volunteer with Princeton Girl Scouts. Barbara particularly enjoyed overseeing Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards where she helped young women develop leadership skills while supporting communities across New Jersey.

Barbara and her husband were also fond birders and enjoyed walks along the canal, Mountain Lakes Preserve, and around her neighborhood. The pair spent many summers birdwatching in Cape May. Barbara was devoted to her family and took particular pride in her children.

Barbara will be remembered for her curiosity, generosity and passion, which she brought with her to all that she did for her family and the community.

Barbara's is survived by her husband of 35 years, Tom Golobish, and her children, Sarah and Kyle Golobish.

Donations can be made in Barbara's memory to the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey.

Friends and family will gather to celebrate Barbara's life on November 15th at 10 a.m. in Channing Hall of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton (50 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540). All are welcome.