Barbara Bourgeau-Richards
1947 - 2025
Barbara Bourgeau-Richards
1947 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1947
DIED
2025
Barbara Bourgeau-Richards Obituary
September 4, 1947 – March 6, 2025
On March 6, 2025, I lost my soulmate.
My beautiful, loving, caring, talented wife Barbara Ann Bourgeau was born to David and Phyllis Bourgeau on September 4, 1947. Barbara was one of nine children in a very loving family. I was lucky enough to become part of that family by marrying Barbara on January 26, 1968, and then going on to raise three fantastic children, Stephanie, Sam, and Sarah.
In her 30's, Barbara was diagnosed with severe Rheumatoid Arthritis and after some time she looked to painting for some solace. She took up watercolors and soon became a well-known entrepreneur, B.B. Richards, creating country watercolors and selling her work around the globe. Barbara was able to pour her genuine love of family and friendship into her work and by doing so, she inspired thousands of fans who were also struggling in their own lives. As the artist, B.B. Richards, she touched the hearts of so many through her paintings, cross stitched designs, figurines, collector plates by Pfaltzgraff and even designing a t-shirt for Habitat for Humanity. Barbara was always available to her fans; through her many promotional signings and those lucky enough to see her running one of her four retail stores in Michigan.
When our children were grown, we decided to move "Up North" where Barbara encouraged me, a retired gym teacher, to express my love of Up North Michigan through my own paintings. Eventually we found our perfect spot in Northport and together opened Studio 106, a gallery she helped me fill with my art, antiques and even some of her own work. In the summers you could find Barbara, lovingly referred to as "Mimi" at the beach with our eight grandchildren, playing in the sand, wading through the water, looking for buckets of rocks to hand paint and making memories to last a lifetime. And they will.
Barbara, I am the luckiest guy in the entire world to have been able to spend 57 years of my life with you.
See you on the other side.
Your Kirk
Signing off with Barbara's iconic signature " May love be with you always. "
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Beverly Barrett
July 11, 2025
I have many of Barbara´s prints, the Pfaltzgraff plates, and have done several cross stitch pieces. She´s been one of my favorite artists since I discovered her work in the 90´s. So sorry to hear of her passing.
Rhonda McIntosh
June 9, 2025
I was given this beautiful plate by my fiance's cousin once removed and I love it. She just passed two weeks ago do I decided to look up Barbara Bourgeau Richards and I saw her obituary and just had to offer condolences to her wonderful husband and forever person. Sharing your art is so special. Take care and know that BB's work is doing well in Canada.
Rhonda McIntosh
June 9, 2025
E. Kiely
June 8, 2025
She deeply loved her family and was so dedicated to them. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and compassion along with her art. I send my deepest sympathies to her loving family and friends. May she rest in eternal peace with God by her side.
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Betsy Lewis
June 6, 2025
My condolences to your family. Barbara will be missed by her family and friends. She will be remembered through her paintings and her love for others. May God be with your family and give you comfort.
Tara Sullivan
June 1, 2025
To Barbara´s Family and Loved Ones: Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your tremendous loss. My husband gifted me one of Barbara´s framed prints when we married (1990). I cherish it. When our first daughter was born, he gave me another...a mother with a baby in her arms. Both are meaningful and treasured pieces. I never knew Barbara´s story, I´ve just always loved her art (I still have the Habitat For Humanity shirt she designed!). It is her art, her marriage, her children and grandchildren that will be her incredible legacy. Love lives on.
test
May 30, 2025
Carson Loveless
May 20, 2025
Condolences to her family
Cynthia
May 20, 2025
My sister, so cute and beautiful and kind! She taught me so much, and accepted everything I had to offer her as a human being and dear friend! Mutual respect, and love.
J Hoffman
May 19, 2025
So very sorry for your loss, she will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Chris
May 13, 2025
I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Ms Bourgeau. May our Lord give you comfort and strength as you mourn her loss.
Janelle Almendis
May 12, 2025
Accept My condolences.
Mary West
May 9, 2025
Sorry to hear of the passing of Barbara. May you find peace and comfort reflecting on her memories. May you also draw comfort from our Heavenly Father.
JK
May 6, 2025
May God give you strength and comfort during this difficult time. Sending condolences and prayers to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.
Lois Hoover
April 12, 2025
I always loved her paintings and have several of her framed prints, especially scenes with angels. My daughter loved her cross-stitch patterns and did several. My favorite was "A Cat for Anne". I was aware that she suffered from rheumatoid arthritis from a young age. She was very talented. My condolences to her husband and family .
Judy Larson
April 4, 2025
Barb was born the same year I was. We weren´t real close as cousins but I always loved visiting the Bourgeau home in Keego Harbor. The atmosphere was loving and fun. We didn´t do anything special, we just enjoyed each other´s company. The last time I visited with Barb was at my Mom´s funeral in February of 2009. I thought it was so kind of her to travel from "Up North" to console us. Barb was a unique spirit, quiet, strong, loving, and someone who found humor in lots of things. Family was her passion, especially her beloved Kirk. My Bourgeau cousins are so special and talented. I´m sad knowing I´ll never be in her company again.
Judy Klapperich Larson
West Valley City, Utah
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