Barbara Jane Burlingame

Barbara Jane Hyde Burlingame passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in Owosso.

Born in 1940, Barb spent her childhood adventuring in the wilds of Riverdale, causing mostly benign mischief and only losing a few of her teeth by rope-swinging off a roof. She was a supreme athlete in many sports and never crashed a boat too badly. She married Dick Burlingame in 1963 and moved to Owosso to start a home and family.

Mrs. B was a favorite gym teacher for students in Flint and Birmingham, and, later, for preschoolers at St. Joe. She was a skier, hiker, bowler, volleyball player and overall fun-loving troublemaker.

Barb lulled colicky grand-babies and tumbled with toddlers. She knew endless old songs and was adored by children and animals. A chocolate aficionado, Barb hated cooking, but she did it anyway. She couldn't sew but still somehow made the best Halloween costumes for her kids. Her swimming pool and gardens were a true paradise that many people enjoyed, even if those people were being chased with a pool noodle. Our nature lover created a refuge where friends, kids, grandkids and their magical woodland neighbors could gather.

Her family deeply appreciates the love, compassion and dedication of her friends and the wonderful teams at Oliver Woods and Pleasant View, which were her homes for the past few years.

Barb is survived by Richard, Ann, Kerstin, Jase, Matt, Celeste, Eva, Violet, Nikolai and Zinny and dear friend Terri Godmother.

A future celebration will be arranged. For those who would like to be on the guest list please email barbsfriends3@gmail.com.