Barbara Green

Although she accomplished so many things of which to be proud throughout her rich and rewarding life, there was nothing that meant more to Barbara Green than sharing her life’s journey with the ones she cherished most. She was deeply involved in the community she loved, serving others along the way, and with her approachable and inviting demeanor she was a friend to many. Barbara and her husband shared a marriage that most can only dream of as they were soul mates, genuine companions, and best friends. Nothing was sweeter than when her family tree blossomed to include the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who were her greatest gift. Life will never be the same for Barbara’s loved ones without her here, but the memories she leaves behind will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of all who were blessed to feel her gentle touch.

It seems only fitting that Barbara’s story began during a time that was as vibrant as she was. The Roaring Twenties were a time that was covered in prosperity all across America as innovation was taking us places we had never been. Radios, motion pictures in both color and sound, and washing machines and refrigerators were signs of the time when we celebrated unprecedented advancements in the world of flight thanks to the adventurous spirits of Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh. It was in 1925 that a young couple from Detroit, Michigan, was pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby girl on March 10th. Barbara was the second of two daughters born to her parents, Walter Fred and Grace (Mears) Fick and was raised in the family home with her parents and her sister, Mary Elizabeth “Betty,” who was five years her senior, as well as her Aunt Ella. Together they all traveled around the United States.

In many ways Barbara experienced an upbringing that was typical for the youth of her generation. Her father worked doing maintenance on the street cars for the City of Detroit while her mother was a busy homemaker. As she became a teen Barbara was an avid reader who loved showing off her dance moves whenever the opportunity arose. In addition to holding down her studies she worked at J.L. Hudsons, and during WWII she worked for the Navy department.

After graduating from high school Barbara continued her education at Michigan State University. She worked hard, earning her B.A. in Business while also working her way through college. With her education completed, Barbara spent some time working in business. She later went back to school again, earning her B.A. in Education from Michigan State University in 1968. Barbara then worked as a third and fourth grade teacher in the West Bloomfield School District until retiring in 1985.

Not to be forgotten during her years as a young woman was Barbara’s introduction to the young man of her dreams. His name was Donald Green, and they met at a street corner on the campus of Michigan State University. A romance ensued, and it didn’t take long for them to fall in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Barbara and Donald were married in the early 1950s. Together they were blessed to welcome three children into their hearts and home: Jeffrey, Rodney, and Susan. Barbara and Donald moved from Detroit to Columbus to Yardley, PA and back to Detroit with three small children between 1958 and 1964. She and Donald raised their children in a loving environment and were filled with unspeakable joy when their family grew to include five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. The moments Barbara treasured most were spent with her family including their surprise 50th wedding anniversary party and their 60th anniversary celebration spent in Mexico with their children. Holidays were always a special time spent with family as well.

Throughout her life Barbara was active in her community. She was a member of two churches and attended services regularly through the years, and she was also a member of the literacy council and the Garden Club of Elk Rapids. In addition, Barbara was an AAUW member, a PEO Sister, and a Friend of the Elk Rapids Library where she also served as president for a time.

A woman of many interests, Barbara was one to keep busy. She was an avid card player, mainly playing bridge, and she also enjoyed sewing and baking. Barbara loved reading a wide variety of things. When it came to music, her favorites were songs from the 1940s, and among her favorite movies were Gone with the Wind and South Pacific. Barbara was an amazing hostess who loved entertaining in her home, and she was a wonderful housekeeper who took great pride in her home.

A stranger to none and a friend to all, Barbara Green was an extraordinary woman to know and love. She went out of her way to brighten the day of those around her, and she was genuine in her concern for her family and friends. Barbara loved being surrounded by her family, and she was blessed to find the love of her life who made her life complete. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

Barbara Green died on March 25, 2014. Barbara’s family includes her husband, Donald; children, Jeffrey (Geri), Susan, and Rodney (Leslie); grandchildren, Julie, John, Jim, Nick, and James; and great-granddaughter, Isabelle. Family will receive friends Saturday at Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home 30200 Five Mile Road (btn Merriman and Middlebelt). Please visit www.TurowskiLifeStory.com to view Barbara’s Life Story, sign the guestbook, upload a photo, or share a memory.