Barbara Horrigan

Barbara Jean Horrigan was a caring wife, engaged mother, lively grandmother and cherished friend. She was strong and spirited, outgoing and loyal. With a zest for living that was channeled into home and outdoor life, Barb left a positive legacy for her family and all those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Barbara Jean was born to Steve and Lucille (Munn) Leggett on December 8, 1927, the year Charles Lindbergh made his historic transatlantic flight in 33.5 hours, spurring on the can-do spirit that brought mass production of the automobile by Henry Ford and the Suffrage Movement that won women the right to vote. Having an independent (Don would say "stubborn') streak herself, Barbara made her way in Big Rapids, Michigan, where she was born and lived almost her entire life.

Along with her siblings Bill and Margaret, Barb enjoyed the outdoor life that Michigan’s “water, winter wonderland” had to offer. She liked to hunt and fish with her father, ride horses at the Cummings’ farm in Blanchard, swim at Clear Lake in summer and skate at Mitchell Creek Pond in winter. Throughout Barb’s lifetime, the joys of nature gave her pleasure and peace.

During her high school years, Barb’s friends introduced her to the man who would become her husband. She and Donald Horrigan dated for a few years, and when she graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1946, the two of them made plans to marry. They made their vows on April 12, 1947 and began their life together that was blessed with five children: Mike, John, Pat, Julie and Chuck. Even as a wife and mother, the friendships Barb had made in high school remained close throughout her life. She stayed in touch with classmates, having lunch with them every month right up to the present.

Being a parent suited Barb but especially her children. If their dad grounded them, their mom would let them off early. Because Barb worked at Woolworth’s in those early years, her children enjoyed every kid’s dream—whenever they came into the store, she bought them malts. During the summer, she regularly took the kids to Ludington Beach come rain or shine, and the family always rented a cottage for a week at Chippewa Lake. Backyard barbeques “fueled” many memorable moments of Don starting the cook-out with gasoline. More memories were created on New Year’s Day when the family gathered for food and sports. Barb prepared a 20-pound ham from Mondrella’s market and, though she hated football herself, she was very hospitable to the large groups that gathered to watch the games on TV.

Truth be told, Barb liked sports only if her children were participating. She was more of a “Law and Order” fan, a shopper, a knitter and a reader. With a dish of ice cream and a book of fiction or a mystery novel, Barb felt she had it good, especially if she could also listen to Celtic music. She was supportive of the community through the annual luminary walk for cancer, her work at St. Vincent DePaul and St. Mary's Church. Saturday lunch with friends at Szot’s Bar was very important to Barb. She always had a positive outlook and considered her life good.

Barbara Jean Horrigan, age 84 of Big Rapids, Michigan passed on to join her husband and daughter in eternal salvation on Monday February 13, 2012. She is survived by four children, Mike and Sue Horrigan of Canadian Lakes, John and Rose Horrigan of Cadillac, Julie and Tom Unger of Holland and Chuck and Joyce Horrigan of Gaylord, thirteen grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Don in 1999 and daughter Patti Ivkovich-Schneider in 2010, one sister Margaret Cannan and one brother Bill Leggett. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday February 17, 2012 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids with Father David C. Gross, celebrant. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. with Rosary being recited at 7:30 p.m. at the Mohnke Funeral Home. Interment will be in the spring at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary School or the American Cancer Society. Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.