Barbara Bublick

Barbara Bublick, of Carmel, Ind., and formerly of Benton Harbor for many years, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on June 23, 1930, in Benton Harbor to Allie and Ethel Hatosky (Scher). Barbara was the younger sister of Doris and the older sister of her identical twin, Beverly.

A graduate of Benton Harbor High School and the University of Michigan, where she earned a degree in education in 1954, Barbara was a straight-A student whose discipline and determination shaped her life and values. She was truly ahead of her time, balancing the responsibilities of raising six children, one daughter and five sons, with a remarkable career as a businesswoman. She stood shoulder to shoulder with her husband, Mandell, as an equal partner in both family and enterprise. Together, they founded The Hang Up in Fairplain Plaza in the late 1970s, later expanding with The Man Alive and several other retail apparel ventures. These stores became central to the retail landscape of Southwest Michigan and ultimately laid the foundation for Man Alive, a nationwide specialty apparel chain.

Exceptional in her intelligence and wisdom, Barbara cared deeply for family and friends and was a trusted source of thoughtful guidance. A natural problem-solver and perfectionist, she met both family and business challenges with a carefully balanced blend of insight, compassion and heart. She had a lifelong devotion to her loved ones, never missing an opportunity to send a birthday card or thoughtful gift. Her messages were as heartfelt as they were beautiful, often written in her famously elegant handwriting. She had a sharp mind and a knack for strategy, excelling at Mahjong and quickly mastering any board game she tried.

Barbara was a devoted member of Temple B'nai Shalom in Benton Harbor, and later Congregation Shaarey Tefilla in Carmel. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mandell Bublick, with whom she shared 72 years of love and companionship.

She is survived by her six children: Sue (Tom), Jordan, Larry, Jeff (Faith), Ben and Dan; her 13 grandchildren: David, Michael (Adrian), Asher (Ellie), Gila, Avi, Ariel (Leslie), Jonathan (Paula), Yoel (Charlotte), Eli, Max, Sam, Eva (Chris) and Alex (Nechama) and her 13 great-grandchildren: Thomas, Layla, Olivia, Ava, Gabriel, Michael, Nathaniel, Hershel, Malka, Leora, Bram, Shay and Amichai.

A service will be at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at Starks Family Funeral Homes, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Burial will follow at B'nai Shalom Cemetery in Benton Harbor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Congregation B'nai Shalom or Congregation Shaarey Tefilla. May the Holy One of Israel send strength and comfort to all who mourn the passing of Barbara Bublick.