Barbara J. Nowinski

Barbara J. Nowinski
Died July 27, 2023
LELAND – Barbara Jean Nowinski, 78, of Leland, passed away Thursday, July 27, 2023 at Munson Medical Center.
Barbara was born February 23, 1945 in Detroit the daughter of Bruno and Helen (Kaminski) Nowinski.
Barbara attended Michigan State University and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. Her first profession was as a greeting card designer for Hallmark Cards. She began her life-long career as a librarian at the Leland Township Library in 1976-1987. While there she was urged by her friends, Harlan and Anne Hatcher to enroll at the University of Michigan to achieve her master's degree in library science.
Upon her graduation in 1990, Barbara returned to her Leland home where she was hired as an Assistant Director at the Traverse Area District Library. At the Woodmere Library she was a de facto social director and organized exhibits and programs and was very involved in Friends of TDL. There she stayed until her retirement.
Barbara met her beloved partner and best friend Howard Raphael of Carmel, CA. The two were engaged in a loving long-distance relationship for three decades. They traveled and sailed together and, after her retirement, Barbara spent many months in California with Howard. In her last several years, Barbara was aided by her brother, Bruno "Mike" and his friend, Margaret Mikowski and Bruno's son, Jude, many loving friends and neighbors. Happily, she spent her final months with Howard in California.
Barbara loved to be out-of-doors and hike and explore local beaches and trails with her friends. Barbara was a longtime supporter of the Leelanau Conservancy and Saving Habitat for Birds. She also volunteered as a docent at Point Lobos Natural Reserve in Carmel, CA.
Barbara is survived by her two brothers, Bruno Michael Nowinski, Mark (Keiko) Nowinski; her nieces and nephews, Jude, Maria, Jennifer, Sophia, Karen and Kevin.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and two siblings, Lawrence and Marilyn.
The mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 24 with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m. with the Rosary to be prayed at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Church of Lake Leelanau. Burial will be held in St. Mary's Cemetery. Father Ben Martin will serve as celebrant.
Donations may be made to TADL Children's Garden, 610 Woodmere Ave., Traverse City, MI 49686; Leland Library, PO Box 736, Leland, MI 49654; Leelanau Conservancy, PO Box 1007, Leland, MI 49654; Leelanau Community Cultural Center, PO Box 883, Leland, MI 49654 and/or Saving Birds Thru Habitat, PO Box 288, Omena, MI 49674
Please share memories and condolences at www.martinson.info
Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.