Traverse City, Michigan
TRAVERSE CITY — Barbara Jean Shomin, 51, of Traverse City, passed away Sunday, December 23, 2007, at her home with her family by her side. Barb was born on October 2, 1956, in Charlevoix to Gordon Shomin and Arlene Antoine.
Barb worked at the Leelanau Sands Casino as a waitress in 1991 and later transferred to Turtle Creek Casino and became a dealer then a pit crew supervisor. Barb would spend spare time doodling or drawing, working up many ideas and patterns for her bead work. She enjoyed playing bingo or visiting the casino when not at work, but found the most enjoyment from the time with her family and grandkids. Barb was one to stay close to home and relax while watching HGTV. Barb will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Barb is survived by her two daughters, Marilyn Madosh and Kandice House; grandchildren, Adam and Talissa Madosh; her parents Gordon Shomin and Arlene Antoine; seven sisters, Sue (Gerry) Meier, Pauline (Glenn) Boivin, Elizabeth Harrison, Nancy Shomin, Terry (Tim) Antoine, Evelyn (Mark) Rose, and Janet Bricker; and two brothers; Michael Shomin and Bryan Molina. She also is survived by her long-time partner Joel Henry and his two children, Joel Henry Jr. and Justine Henry, as well as several other loving family members and friends.
Barb was preceded in death by a sister, Patricia; a niece, Brenda Meier; and her grandparents, Thurlow (Susan) McClellan and Guy John.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, December 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Visitation will also take place at the Strong Heart Center located on Stallman Road, just west of M-22 from 5 to 8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Native American Pipe Ceremony. Funeral services for Barb will be at the Strong Heart Center on Friday, December 28, 2007, at 1 p.m., with Pastor Thurlow McClellan officiating.
Memorial contributions in Barb's honor may be directed to the family.
The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services, www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
I worked with Barb at Turtle Creek. She was the first one to shadow me in blackjack. I had one player all day so I really got to know her and grew to love her for the 8 yrs I worked there. I will miss her deeply. She always asked me when was I coming back to the casino.My love and prayers go out to her family..
Kacey Scott
January 14, 2008 | Kalkaska, MI
In all the years that I have known aunt Barb, there is one thing that I will always remember and that is her laugh. Although she was very soft spoken her laugh was gentle but uplifting. No matter how bad things were Barb would always find the brighter side of things. I can remember as I was growing and as I got older, how she loved her girls Marylyn and Candace, they were her pride and joy and no one could love them more. Barb was alway so giving and that showed in her children. So as I say...
Carol House
December 31, 2007 | Oneida, WI
I worked with Barb at Turtle Creek Casino for 4 years. When I left the casino and began work at Members Credit Union, I saw Barb at least twice a week. We would chat about this and that and how she was doing. I was shocked to read about her passing. I am so sorry to her family and to Joel, whom I also know. May God bless you and keep you in this time of sorrow. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Noel Gray
December 30, 2007 | Traverse City, MI
May God Bless each one of you and send Barb's Angels to walk the path with you - You honored her well today, strengthening the memories that each of us hold - Work and Life will not be the same without her physically with us...A special thanks to Sue for sharing that most precious message from Barb - Bah Mah Pee - JW
Jesse Ward
December 28, 2007 | Peshawbestown, MI
Barb was a very nice gal. She was very excited to show me her new completions of her hobbies. We worked together at Turtle Creek Casino. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Tina Smith
December 28, 2007 | Traverse City
My deepest sympathy goes out to Joel and Barb's Family...Barb was always a very kind person and will be missed.
Barb Przybylski
December 27, 2007 | Kalkaska, MI
I was deeply saddened by the loss of such spiritual and beautiful person as Barb, I will forever remember her smile and her compassion for everyone around her. I will miss her and my prayers are with you Joel and the rest of Barb's family.
Jason Otting
December 27, 2007 | Traverse City, MI
My deepest condolences to the family. I worked with Barb on several different occasions and she was truly one of the kindest I have ever met.
Butch and Joell Garber
December 27, 2007 | Honor, MI
To all of Barb's loved ones during this time of sorrow, you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
Shai Harter
December 27, 2007 | Mayfield, MI
