Barbara "Barb" Anderson

Barbara "Barb" Lois Anderson, age 93, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, passed away on September 18, 2025.

Barb was born on September 3, 1932, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the only child of Emil and Freda (Eidenmiller) Bauman. After receiving a scholarship from her local church to attend college, Barb bravely relocated to Michigan to attend Adrian College. This early display of determination and free-spirited nature was a defining characteristic throughout her life.

While attending classes, she met Jack Brown, who was also a student at Adrian College. Jack and Barb married and ultimately settled in Redford Township, Michigan. Barb stepped away from her academic studies to support Jack in finishing his degree and transitioning into his career at Ford Motor Company. During this time, they began to raise a family, first welcoming a son, David, and three years later a daughter, Becky.

When her kids were young, Barb enrolled in college courses, determined to complete her degree, and transferred to Wayne State University. Here she obtained a bachelor's degree in education. She took a position as a first-grade teacher at Botsford Elementary School in Livonia, Michigan, where she worked until she retired. In the mid-1970s, Jack received devastating news about his health. Knowing she would soon become a single mother, Barb enrolled in graduate school to further her career and financially support her teenage children. She obtained a Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education with concentrations in Learning Disabilities and Emotional Impairment from Eastern Michigan University. After Jack's passing, Barb continued to show how determined and fierce she was in completing her educational and career goals.

In the early 80s, she began a correspondence with Fred Anderson, and a few years later, they married. Together with Fred's children, Michael and Katy, they found a new rhythm in life.

This rhythm continued to evolve when at 60, Barb embraced retirement and adventure, with Fred by her side. After taking art classes at local community colleges, Barb fell in love with painting. Over the years, she explored different mediums but favored creating acrylic artwork, which she often shared with family and friends and showcased at galleries and art shows.

Barb's love of art and culture also gave her the opportunity to travel. She and Fred took many trips together, often internationally, including spending a joyful month living in Paris, France, where she embraced art in all of its forms.

A teacher at heart, Barb began to share her love for art by teaching classes herself. She was a beloved instructor at the Turner Senior Center, where she was involved in the OLLI program. She was also an active member of The Chelsea Painters. She had a keen eye for color and form and could effortlessly translate emotion onto every canvas. Her passion for art afforded her new opportunities and friendships, all of which she cherished.

Barb could easily be remembered for her spunky eyeglasses, unique earrings, and bold artwork. But what truly defined her was her fierce determination, resilience, and deeply positive attitude. Her life was a legacy of love, creativity, and a lifelong dedication to service, driven by her commitment to education and learning. She will be deeply missed.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Freda Bauman; her first husband, Jack Brown; and her second husband, Fred Anderson.

She is survived by her children, David Brown, Becky (Tom) Renkert, Katy (Derek) Peters, and Michael (Seiko) Anderson, nine grandchildren, and the many fellow teachers, artists, and friends she met along the way.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Susan G Komen foundation to end breast cancer: www.komen.org