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1931 - 2022
1931 - 2022
Obituary
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Barbara A. Forsberg, age 91 and longtime Marquette resident, passed away on Monday, December 19, 2022, in Lansing while in the loving presence of her children.
Barbara was born in Munising on May 3, 1931, as the daughter of Beatrice (Beaudette) and David Golenda. She graduated from Munising High School in 1949. While in Munising she worked as a switchboard operator for Kimberly Clark before meeting her husband Keith M. Forsberg. They married on July 3, 1952 in Pueblo, Colorado. They raised their family in Marquette and attended Messiah Lutheran Church.
Barbara attended Northern Michigan University. She was active in Marquette arts and crafts circles, as well as the Yarnwinders Fiber Guild. Barbara was a knitter and weaver. She enjoyed sharing her knowledge of the fiber arts with others. Barbara put on demonstrations to groups in spinning wool. Barbara knitted socks, mittens and hats, and she sold them at craft shows. She created rugs from her basement loom. Barbara collected antiques, refinished furniture and later went on to conduct estate sales. She played the piano.
Barbara attended Northern Michigan University, as well as worked in various capacities in Marquette. She ran lights for a KISS concert and was also a floral designer. For several years Barbara worked at Marquette’s Michigan Fair gift shop where her talents were used to create store displays. Customers were helped by Barbara’s friendly, fun-loving and warm personality.
Barbara enjoyed being around family. She was fortunate to have travelled overseas to meet her relatives in Eastern Europe. Barbara was a great cook as well as a loving, nurturing wife, mother, friend and relative to all.
Barbara is survived by her children, David Forsberg of Lansing and Allison (Tim) O’Neill of North Platte, NE; four grandchildren, Elise, Noah and Josh O’Neill and Amber Thompson; and four brothers, Eugene Golanda, Richard Golenda, and Leonard and Robert Beaudette. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and husband Keith.
Visitation for Barbara will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2022, from 11 to 11:30 a.m. at the Palmer Bush and Jensen Family Funeral Homes Lansing, Michigan- Delta Chapel. A funeral service will be held immediately afterwards. The service can be viewed live or later on by clicking on the following link here. Barbara’s online obituary may be viewed at the Palmer Bush and Jensen Family Funeral Homes website where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance at Barbara Forsberg Condolences.
Barbara will be laid to rest at the Marquette Park Cemetery. A gathering in her honor will be held in the spring in Marquette.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Barbara’s name to the Northern Michigan University Foundation—Barbara A. Forsberg Art and Design Scholarship, 1401 Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855.
Mary Belmore
January 16, 2023
I recently learned of Barb's passing. My deepest sympathy to you and Alison. I learned the basics about antiques from Barb, we had so much fun over the years. She will be in my prayers.
Stephanie Ellen Buchinger
January 11, 2023
I'm so sorry for your loss Allison, Dave and family. Your mom was a wonderful neighbor and mentor. She taught me how to knit and quilt. To this day I use the mixer she gave to Andrew and I for a wedding gift back in 1982. I think of her every time I use it. May God bless you with peace and comfort.
Stephanie Whitfield Buchinger
Shirley Timberman
December 25, 2022
Barb was a remarkable woman. I have great memories of her in the antiques world & of her patience in trying to teach me spinning wool.
Sending my deepest condolences to her family.
Cher Golenda
December 22, 2022
Auntie Barbara was a strong, loving, creative, smart and independent woman. I will always hold fond memories of her in my heart. May God bless you David, Allison and family. The mass today was moving and filled up my heart with her love. Thank you for allowing us to share your celebration of her amazing life with you today.
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Rich Golenda
December 22, 2022
I’m so sorry to lose my sister. I will remember her each and every day for the last of my life.
Mary Kay Scullion
December 22, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Your Mom was a very special person.
Carol and Sandy Bryson
December 21, 2022
Dave: Our best to you at a difficult time. Your mother led a long and purposeful life. We cannot be with you on the 22nd, as we are in St. Paul with family. You are in our prayers.
Kaye Hiebel
December 21, 2022
Your mom was such a talented and multifaceted woman. Happy to share her knowledge on so many topics. I know you have wonderful memories which will help you through these times. My condolences to you and your family.
Leslie White
December 21, 2022
Barb - all around “good egg”. A favorite story: While at Michigan Fair one winter day a visiting customer asked,”How do you deal with all the snow?” and without skipping a beat Barb semi-yelled,”We PLOW!” Smart and I loved it. We all laughedNow I live in and love Barb’s last house. She became a wonderful friend in many ways. I miss her being in the world, but on you go to that wonderful promise. Leslie White
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6301 W. St Joe Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917
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