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BORN
1945
DIED
2020
Barbara Vethacke Obituary
St. Clair Shores - April 26, 1945 - April 5, 2020
Barbara, age 74, of St. Clair Shores passed after a fearless and courageous fight against COVID 19.
She was a loving and selfless mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, mother-in-law and godmother. She was known to many as Babs, a friend that was always there for you. Barbara had many interests and hobbies but her passion was her grandchildren. Barbara had endless energy, loved to work, always put others before herself and had an uncanny ability to make every person she spoke with feel special.
Barbara was the third child of Elizabeth Elias and Simon Peter Yazbeck. A loving mother of the late Laura (Paul James, PJ) Wortman and Karl (Carey) Vethacke, beloved sister to Robert (Kathleen) Yazbeck, Clyde Yazbeck and the late Sy (Virginia) Yazbeck. Adoring aunt to Robert Jr (Mary) Yazbeck, Renee (Jerry) White, Steve Yazbeck, Carol Borowski, Mike (Sue) Vethacke, Eric (Kathy) Vethacke, Lisa (Thomas) Breuer and the late Paul Vethacke. Proud grandmother to PJ Jr and Elizabeth Wortman, Harper and Emma Vethacke. Former wife of the late Werner Vethacke.
As a family friend summarized the legacy of Barbara Yazbeck Vethacke, "I have so many great memories of your mom and the home she created for all of us…"
A Funeral Service and luncheon will be held at a later date due to Government restrictions at the current time.
Please Share a memory of Barbara at :
www.cremationmichigan.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Vethacke
Joanie Faddol Gruber
April 4, 2025
5 years now since you joined your mom, my mom and you are with Laura and all our family gone before us with The Lord in heaven. Remembering you my darling cousin. Will see you again in the not very long and forever.
Joanie Faddol Gruber
April 4, 2022
Think about Barb often. Was so glad to see family at her memorial service last summer. Looking forward to the great re-union when I can spend eternity with her and the great cloud of witnesses who have gone on already.
Joanie Faddol Gruber
April 18, 2021
It has been a year now. The shock has worn off, but the sadness of missing Barb is still there. She was the beautiful, graceful and glamorous older cousin who would go out with my mom to special events. I remember sad things, like when Aunt LIz died, fun things like being a jr. Bridesmaid in her wedding, and learning things from her when I babysat Laura as an infant. Barb was in the car with mom and me on the way to my own wedding (she kept telling me it wasn't too late to back out...suprise! 35+ years and we are still solidly together!) And visiting her with my young twin daughters (she made the visit it so special for them with a special nail painting session). The last few years our contact was infrequent but we each knew the other was there, and that we loved eachother. And still do.
Linda Walleman
May 24, 2020
The St Clair Shores Community Chorus remembers our Vice President Barbara on this Memorial Day. One of Barb's favorite events was our performance at Veterans Memorial Park in honor of our Veterans. Barb would arrive early with coffee and donuts for all. Always the caretaker...
The chorus would like the family to know that Barb is on our minds and in our hearts on this very special day. We miss her dearly. It was a fitting honor to see her name on the front page of the New York Times.
Much love and sympathy is sent to her family, who were the light of her world.
Johnny Yazbeck
April 26, 2020
A loving and beautiful cousin I always looked up to.
Lisa Vethacke-Breuer
April 24, 2020
I'll always remember Barbara for her kindness and sense of humor. She was truly beautiful both inside and out and a wonderful mother to Laura and Karl. We were honored to have her in our family and are so saddened by her loss.
Melissa Walsh
April 21, 2020
Barb modeled hospitality and gregariousness. Always kind.
April 21, 2020
Karl, my heart breaks for you. Your sister was my boys' babysitter and your mom was my contact for over 20 years at the Grosse Pointe News. She and I would talk with each other from time to time and reminisce. She was so proud of you and would show me photos of you. You were blessed to have each other.
Lori Stefek
Jessica Volpe
April 15, 2020
Im so sorry to hear of her passing! She was a strong, intelligent woman, who took me under her wing and showed me the ropes of the advertising industry. She was tough, but fair and I always looked up to her as a role model.
Norman DuMouchelle
April 15, 2020
We knew Barbara from Biondos. What a delightful woman, always helpful and pleasant. We will miss chatting with her. Joan Walker and Norman DuMouchelle.
Judy Molitor
April 14, 2020
Babs was a diamond in a treasure box. She made my heart smile. She was a wonderful, kind, caring, and loving friend. I will miss her so much.
Odette Yazbeck
April 11, 2020
Oh Karl, our hearts are broken at the loss of your dear mom. Cousins hold a special place in our hearts, and Barbara always made me feel so very special. Her warmth, and humour will never be forgotten. Sending love and care to all who loved Babs!
Susan Crowley
April 10, 2020
I met Barb at Salon Biondo. She was so kind and always had a smile. I will miss our chats. Rest In Peace Barb.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
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