Barbara Weldon

Ever loving and with a servant’s heart, Barb Weldon lived her life in service to others. She was a fun loving woman who lived life to the fullest, all while treasuring the family entrusted to her care. Through her faith, Barb enlightened the lives of those around her and she considered her own life to be enriched in countless ways. It was a joy to share her company, and only the fondest of memories will be remembered when recalling this special woman whose life was dedicated to the family she adored, and the faith that inspired her.

The crash of the stock market in late 1929 created havoc and financial turmoil from coast to coast, and by 1930, 1,350 banks had failed in the U.S. To regenerate the economy, the U.S. Public Works Department began construction on the Hoover Dam in an effort to employ even a fraction of unemployed Americans. While jazz took the streets by storm, the infamous cartoon character, Betty Boop made her debut to the delight of many. During these changing times in the riverfront city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, John and Ann Herrmann had much to be thankful for on October 12, 1930 when they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Barbara Ann into their arms.

The youngest of six children, young Barbara joined her older siblings, John, Robert, Frank, Marian, and Rosemary in their family home on Turner Street on the northwest side of Grand Rapids. Barbara remained close to her siblings throughout their lives, but she was especially close to her sister, Rosemary. To support their bustling household, Barbara’s father worked as an accountant while her mother remained at home as a busy homemaker.

Memorable times were shared during the holidays through the years with extended family on their family farm, also located on the west side of the city. Due to the Depression, vacations were not a part of their family life, but they did enjoy several day trips and family picnics when they could. Fond memories were always recalled as they often visited Barbara’s Aunt Lucille Alt at her home in Spring Lake where they spent great times swimming and enjoying the day. Sadly, their longtime family farm was eventually lost during the Depression as times of financial struggle created hardships for all.

Barbara enjoyed a typical childhood of her generation playing with neighborhood friends. During her youth she experienced the removal of her tonsils right on the kitchen table of their home by one of the local doctors which no less proved to be quite a traumatic experience for her. Having attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, Barbara graduated from Catholic Central High School with the Class of 1948 and went on to further her education at Grand Rapids Junior College for two years.

A handsome, young man by the name of William “Pete” Weldon captured Barb’s heart while in high school and they soon became sweethearts. Through their college years and Pete’s time in the service during the Korean War, Barb and Pete remained sweethearts, counting every moment until his eventual return home. They were happily joined in marriage on May 8, 1955 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in what would become 59 years of devotion and dedication. Together they enjoyed a memorable honeymoon to New Orleans, Louisiana and returned home to Grand Rapids where they made their first home together in an apartment on Broadway Avenue NW. They went on to build their forever home on Mayfield NE where they raised their four wonderful children, Kathy, Peter, Anne, and Laura.

Barb and Pete raised their family devout to their Catholic faith. Shortly after they were married, they became devoted members of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church where they were involved in many capacities. Barb served as a Eucharistic Minister at Blodgett Hospital for over 30 years, and as a couple they were involved in the Crusillo Movement for just as long. Barb gave of her time and talents selflessly. She was a longtime member of the Ladies’ Literary Club, and published the church bulletin each week, as well. In addition to church, Barb was a faithful volunteer for Santa Claus Girls, and worked the polls during elections.

Through the years, Barb and her family shared treasured vacations to New York, New Jersey, Montreal, Canada for the World’s Fair, and visited the Mammoth Caves. They also traveled out west, but as a family they truly enjoyed their many camping adventures throughout Michigan. When it came to cooking, Barb knew her way around the kitchen. Her delicious spaghetti was just one family favorite, among others.

Some of Barb’s hobbies included ceramics, macramé, and knitting. Over the years she knitted numerous baby blankets and loved donating them to those in need. She liked all sorts of music, and over the years she loved to dance, especially in the arms of her beloved Pete. When Pete became ill in his forties, Barb pursued holistic medicine and continued to enjoy reading up on the subject. Through the years Barb loved getting a good bargain and claimed she had her very own "bargain angel" while she perused many of the local garage and yard sales. In their retirement years, Barb and Pete thoroughly enjoyed their travels to destinations such as Aruba, Ireland, Hawaii, and a wonderful Alaskan cruise.

In time it began to be clear that Barb was suffering from dementia. Pete lovingly cared for her at home, calming her fears, and tending to her needs. Eventually, Pete’s own health was compromised, and in 2013 he sadly died. Through the love of family and caregivers, Barb continued to receive the care she needed.

Generous in all ways, Barb was a selfless woman in all she said and did. She served her husband with devotion and her family with dedication, and her faith was an ever present guide throughout her days. Fun loving, Barb lived fully and completely at every opportunity, and for those who knew and loved her best she will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Mrs. Barbara A. Weldon, age 85 of Grand Rapids, went to be with her Lord on Friday, November 20, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Weldon in 2013. Barb is survived by her children, Kathryn L. (Leah Cohen) Weldon, Peter J. Weldon, Anne M. Weldon and Laura J. (Gary) Palmitier; her six grandchildren, Shawn (Brittany) Weldon, Jamie Klomparens, Jessie (Robert) Verville, Jordan Palmitier, Ryan Palmitier, Marcus Palmitier; three great-grandchildren, Jasmine, Carter and Angela; brother, Frank (Suzanne) Herrmann; sister-in-law, Mary Weldon; many nieces, nephews and friends.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 24, 2015, 11:00 AM at St. Alphonsus Church, 224 Carrier Street NE, Grand Rapids. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with her family on Monday, November 23, 2015 from 7-9 PM, with the Rosary prayed at 7:00 PM, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Alphonsus Church or Catherine’s Care Center. Please visit Barb’s web page at www.lifestorynet.com to share a favorite memory, photo, and to sign her online register book.