Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Flint, Michigan
Feb 27, 1928 – Mar 17, 2021 (Age 93)
Dorothy Lou Barbat of Grand Blanc, formerly of Flushing, died March 17, 2021 at the age of 93 after a short illness.
Dorothy was the much loved mother of Lynda (Mark) Farnen and Steve (Sandy) Barbat. She was Grandma Dot to grandchildren Rachel Barbat, Jaqueline (Stephen) Foy and Kimberly (Brad) Stover as well as great grandchildren Max & Madeleine Stover and Conor Foy. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, ten brothers and many other relatives.
She was born Dorothy Lou McIlmurray in Whittemore, MI and moved to the Flint area as a young girl where she lived for most of her life. She married her former husband Stephen Barbat in 1954 and left her job at Buick to stay home with their children, Lynda & Steve when they were young.
In 1965 Dorothy went to work for John Wentworth, M.D. and worked as his medical assistant/office manager until his death. She continued to work for Woodrow Pickering, M.D. and then for McLaren Family Practice until she retired in 2008 at the age of 80. Dorothy was beloved by the patients she helped and her co-workers.
In years past she enjoyed making her famous recipes, dancing (she always led), playing the piano and accordion, visiting with family and hosting and attending parties. She loved animals and especially the many pets she and her children had over the years. She played euchre on a regular basis and rarely passed when her or her partner were dealing. Loved watching sports on TV, especially the Tigers and college basketball.
She was a second Mom to several of her children’s friends and the favorite aunt of many. Dorothy made countless good lifelong friends over her lifetime and kept in touch with them and her relatives throughout the years.
Dorothy loved life and fought for it until the very end. She will be forever missed by those who knew and loved her.
The family is planning to have a celebration this summer to honor her life, details will be announced at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to Macular Degeneration Research or the Salvation Army.
Read MoreSo sorry to hear about Aunt Dorothy. She was such a sweetheart. Have so many wonderful memories of her. Really miss the good old days. Know that you, Lynda, Steve and your families are in our prayers. Love and miss you all. Hugs to all
Terri & Dean
Terri Martin
March 23, 2021 | Smithsburg, MD | Family
My condolences to Lynda, Steve and all of you. I was very saddened to learn of your mother's passing. She was such a beautiful and graceful woman with such class that is not necessarily seen much in these modern times. She always had a smile and I only have the loveliest memories of her. She will live in my heart forever. I hope to see you all her her life celebration . God's peace, my Prayers to all of you.
Charlene Coleman
March 23, 2021 | Flint, MI | Family
I met Dorothy when I hired in at McLaren Family Health Care, we hit it off almost immediately. My daughter and I were invited to her home many times, she attended my daughters orchestra performances and plays and we frequently went out to lunch or just have pizza at her home. She was like a second mother to me, I lost mine in '84, and a grandmother to my daughter. She shared her recipes with me, gave me advice when I asked, we laughed, we shared close birthdays and always did things close to...
Sue Rohl
March 20, 2021 | Friend
Steve and Linda you have my condolences. As you know your mom was one of my favorite people and I always appreciated everything she did for me. I just wish I'd been closer in her later years. What a wonderful and generous person. She will be greatly missed.
Ted H
Ted Himelhoch
March 20, 2021 | Swartz Creek, MI | Friend
