Barbara Ann DeLong

Barbara Ann Pendell DeLong, beloved mother, grandmother and friend, passed away on Feb. 1, 2025, at the age of 78.

Born on March 26, 1946, to Elizabeth and Robert Pendell, Barb lived a life filled with love and an unwavering dedication to her grandchildren. They were her greatest joy, attending all their events as much as possible.

A celebration of life will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10, at Starks and Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com

Barb was a registered nurse, graduating from St. Mary's Hospital School of Nursing in Saginaw in 1968. She also received her bachelor's from Central Michigan University and her master's from Western Michigan University.

She was a long-time employee of the former Lakeland Regional Health System, beginning at Mercy Hospital in Benton Harbor and then the former Berrien General Hospital in Berrien Center, both in the education department. She eventually went to work in St. Joseph as the manager for the Center for Health Enhancement. She was instrumental in many community-based initiatives, which benefited many people throughout Southwestern Michigan. She created the Parish Nurse Program, which partnered nurses with local churches, combining faith with healthcare. It was a great source of pride for her, as it created lifelong friendships she held onto until she passed.

In her retirement, she traveled to Alaska and had always wanted to go back for another visit. She enjoyed Friday night dinners with her girlfriends at the Navajo in Bridgman where she was quite the regular. She was a member of the Spectrum Health Lakeland Auxiliary Board as well as a member of the scholarship committee, where she was able to interview volunteers for scholarships the auxiliary provided.

Barbara was preceded in death by the love of her life, Jack DeLong; her parents: Elizabeth and Robert Pendell; her sister, Kathleen Pendell Krawczyk; as well as her stepson, Dale DeLong.

Barb is survived by her loving children: Allen Elliott (Kym Wilson) and Brian Elliott; her stepdaughters: Denise DeLong and Darcy Ocasio. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, who were the greatest source of pride to her: Haley Elliott, Austin Elliott, Carlie Yerington (Jordan Yerington), Olivia Elliott, Jack Elliott, Raquel Ocasio, Nick DeLong, Sabrina Poskey and Kim Hernandez, Duane Imler and Sarah Tobin. The newest light of her life was her great-grandson, Easton Yerington, who brought Grandma Barb so many smiles and laughter.

She is also survived by many of whom she had remained friends with for 30-plus years.