Margaret Jane Bibber

Margaret Jane Bibber, 78, of Clive, died peacefully at the Kavanagh House hospice on September 15, 2011, following a resolute struggle with lung cancer. Known to her family and many friends as “Jane,” Dr. Bibber was a resident of the Des Moines area for more than 40 years.

The daughter of Harold Whitney Bibber and Elizabeth Goodall Bibber, Jane Bibber was born in Columbus, Ohio, on October 15, 1932, and grew up in Columbus and in Schenectady NY. Encouraged by an excellent teacher and a school psychologist, Jane overcame a severe reading problem as a child and graduated high school as the top student at the MacDuffie School, in Springfield MA. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College in 1955, a master’s degree in psychology from Union College in 1960, and a PhD in psychology from the University of Iowa in 1966.

Dr. Bibber taught elementary school for several years before embarking on a long career in clinical psychology, dedicated to helping children and adults. In addition to her years as director in a private group practice, Dr. Bibber practiced at the Mitchellville Girl’s Training School, Des Moines Child Guidance Center, Broadlawns Adolescent Center and State of Iowa Disability Office. During her career, she held the positions of Executive Secretary and President of the Iowa Psychological Association.

Jane’s life was filled with love, adventure, spirituality, activism, and independence. She was dedicated to her niece and nephews, inspiring and teaching them, never missing a family gathering. She obtained a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, practiced Tai Chi and Qigong. She became a licensed massage therapist and studied and practiced a range of spiritual healing arts including Zero Balancing, Reiki, Unlimited Breath and Unlimited Body. Jane enjoyed meeting with the “wild women” group and the “weed eaters,” a weekly vegetarian dinner group, and was an involved member of many organizations including PEO, Sun Ray Meditation Circle, Women’s Spirituality Group and the Women’s Peace Group, which studies the peace teachings of all religions. She was an active and devoted member of the First Unitarian Church, as well as a student of metaphysics and Buddhism.

Jane loved the arts, both visual and performing. She surrounded herself with artistic and spiritual friends, singing in choirs, acting in Talent Limited productions, dancing, storytelling, patronizing art locales, and supporting local artists. She studied ikebana under Hiroko So G. She loved nature, camping, fishing and skiing, and climbed mountains with the Iowa Mountaineers, including Mt Kilimanjaro at age 49. An enthusiastic traveler, Jane visited Europe, North Africa, Japan, New Zealand and Tibet.

Dr. Bibber was a determined advocate for world peace and social justice. She was active in the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and was a member and strong supporter of the Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement. As a member of the Beyond War group, Dr. Bibber was influential in bringing the Amber Waves of Grain exhibit to Drake University in Des Moines. She served on the Board of Stop the Arms Race Public Action Committee (STARPAC) and generously contributed to improvements to the Nollen Plaza Peace Garden. She also supported non-profit groups dedicated to providing assistance to disadvantaged youth in Des Moines.

Jane Bibber is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Betty and William McFarland of Milwaukee WI, her brother and sister-in-law, Henry and Heidi Bibber of Manassas VA, as well as by her niece, Elizabeth Jane McFarland of Denver CO, and nephews William McFarland, of Los Altos CA, James McFarland of Chicago IL, and Michael McFarland of Newton Center MA, and 6 grandnieces and nephews (Margaret, Amanda, Alice, Claire, Samuel and Cooper). Jane also leaves behind a vibrant circle of friends spanning a wide range of interests. Jane and her family are deeply appreciative of the way her friends gave so kindly and generously of their time and energy to be with Jane and to help her and her family through the last months of her life. Jane treasured their company and was comforted to know she would be fondly remembered.

A memorial service, followed by a reception, will be held in the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, 1800 Bell Avenue, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2011. In lieu of sending flowers, Jane asked that friends make a contribution to the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines in her name.

Online condolences may be made at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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