Barbara "Barb" Sine

Barbara Jo Sine (née Kalman), age 71, entered eternal rest on January 4, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Her loving family was at her side. She was born in Holland, MI, on July 8, 1954, the daughter of the late Vincent and Natalie Kalman. Barb was a kind and compassionate woman whose gentle smile and caring nature made her a joy to know. Barb never had an unkind word to say and took a genuine interest in the concerns of those around her. Her faith and family were the foundation of her life, and she will be forever remembered as a loving mother and wife.

Barb graduated from Holland High School in 1972. She then went on to Nazareth College in Kalamazoo, where she graduated in 1976 majoring in Biology. She started a rewarding career spanning decades as a Lab Tech at Upjohn (later Pharmacia and then Pfizer) in Kalamazoo shortly after her college graduation. She left Pfizer in 2008, and later began working at Kalsec as a Lab Tech. In 2019, Barb retired from Kalsec to focus on family and traveling.

On January 15, 1983, she married Max L. Sine who survives. Together, they both lived a rich life and enjoyed many hobbies and socializing with close friends. In the winter months, she enjoyed skiing, decorating the home for the holidays, and hosting family for dinners. During the warmer months, she actively gardened and hiked along nature trails. Regardless of the season, she loved traveling and sharing stories about her visits to her favorite places such as Canada, Ireland, France, and Germany.

Also surviving are her loving daughters, Teresa and Sara (Anthony) Sine; two siblings, Alice and Mary Ann (Thomas); and many loving nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends. She was also preceded in passing by a brother, Henry (Margaret) Kalman.

The family will receive friends at the Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 1:00PM to 3:00PM with a prayer service beginning at 3:00PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 12, 2026, beginning at 11:00AM, at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 1150 W Centre Ave. Portage, MI 49024, with Fr. Mark Vyverman officiating. Interment will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes, Kairos Dwelling, or the Animal Rescue Project, c/o the funeral home. Friends and family may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.