Leverett loses a leading lady

Published on May 09, 2008

She was the individual everyone turned to when they needed to know who does what.

Claudia Gere, on the late Annette Gibavic, who died Wednesday

By NICK GRABBE Staff Writer

LEVERETT - Annette Gibavic, who died Wednesday at 84, was an important part of the social fabric of Leverett for 56 years.

She was honored at Town Hall last month for the many personal and civic connections she made. On May 18, a 20th anniversary celebration of the Rattlesnake Gutter Trust, which she co-founded, will highlight her impact on land conservation in Leverett.

Gibavic taught first grade at the Leverett Elementary School from 1964 to 1984. She was active on the Historical Commission and co-founded the annual Harvest Festival.

"It's so rare that you find someone who can just do so much and make all the connections, who can work closely and creatively with people and is dedicated far above what you'd expect from one individual," said Claudia Gere, a fellow member of Leverett Congregational Church.

Gibavic was a "linchpin" of the church, Gere said. She taught Sunday school, directed Christmas plays and taught people how to make holiday wreaths, she said. Gibavic was also involved with developing the Edna Emerson Memorial Garden at the church.

"She was the individual everyone turned to when they needed to know who does what," Gere said.

In 1988, when the scenic glacial ravine near her house was threatened by development, Gibavic was one of the key people to set up the Rattlesnake Gutter Trust to preserve it. The trust has expanded its scope and has helped protect about 270 acres in Leverett.

"Annette was a very talented person, especially at judging people," said Kathy Addelson, who was also involved in the early days of the trust. "She understood how to organize things and was very good at doing outreach to people."

The May 18 celebration will feature a hike through Rattlesnake Gutter at 1 p.m., a ceremony at the Leverett Library at 3 p.m. and a slide show by nature photographer John Green at 4 p.m.

Gibavic was active on the Historical Commission for many years. Betsy Douglas, who co-chaired the commission with her, noted an inventory of historic houses that resulted in a brochure. She recalled that Gibavic created a bus tour at the Harvest Festival, and would stand in the front of the bus and point out landmarks.

"She was always coming up with ideas of things we could do and was very persuasive in getting people to help her," Douglas said. "She was not a pushy person, but in quiet ways, she accomplished many things for Leverett."

Whenever someone has been looking for historical information recently, the response has been "I don't know, but Annette would know," Douglas said.