Barbara Ellen Toor

On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at home and surrounded by her family, Barbara Ellen Toor, age 90, was welcomed into God's loving arms.

Barbara was born on July 17, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan to Leon and Kathleen (Ryan) Pody. She shared 67 wonderful years with her beloved husband, Stanley "Bud" Toor. Their story began at Western High School in Detroit, Michigan, where she met Bud, the love of her life. They were married on October 15, 1955, marking the start of a lifelong partnership rooted in faith, devotion, and unwavering love. She embraced her roles as wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend with kindness and grace.

Barbara always appreciated her gift of faith and was deeply devoted to the Blessed Mother. She was dedicated to praying the rosary daily, as it provided her peace, strength, and comfort throughout life's different seasons.

An accomplished pianist who studied at the Detroit Institute of Arts, Barbara filled her home with beautiful music. She was an avid reader and a lifelong learner. She began her career as an executive secretary at The Kroger Co. but soon discovered her greatest calling-raising her family. In Plymouth, Michigan, she and Bud raised four children in a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. Her family grew to include four spouses who were never simply in-laws; she loved them as her own. She was blessed with twelve grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren, welcoming each new addition with open arms and a joyful heart. She had a rare gift for making every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild feel special; each one felt certain they were her favorite.

Barbara enjoyed years of traveling across the country and abroad to visit family and friends and the college campuses of each grandchild.
In retirement, she treasured time at their beloved log cabin at Canada Creek Ranch in Atlanta, Michigan, where she played Bridge, participated in the Women's Auxiliary and Book Club, and met with friends for lunches and dinners. Winters were spent at their home in Englewood, Florida, where afternoons were filled with playing her baby grand piano and hosting poolside family gatherings.

Although family was the center of her world, Barbara loved being surrounded by people and never tired of hearing their stories. She cherished every gathering, milestone, and quiet moment spent with family and others. She adored her many nieces and nephews, along with the "wonderful hugs" and visits they shared. Her cellphone became her lifeline, allowing her to stay connected daily with family and friends.

Barbara will be remembered for her heartfelt greetings and her warm smile, like sunshine that lit up her face. She viewed the world through her rose-colored glasses, never saying a harsh word about anyone. Her warm and generous spirit will be deeply missed and forever cherished by everyone who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her sister, Carol Pody, of Gaylord, MI, and children: Kathleen (Thomas) White, Laura (Michael) Puff, Rodney (Julie) Toor, and John (Lori) Toor.
Grandchildren: Brendan (Alyssa) White of Draper, UT; Tommy (Brandy) White of Bozeman, MT; Andrew (Erika) Puff of Western Springs, IL; Katie (Jason) Bruner of Belmont, MI; Charles (Julia) Puff of Park City, UT; Trisha (Todd) Calfee of Fort Myers, FL; Becca (Nathan) Emborski, of Bradenton, FL; Michael Toor of Punta Gorda, FL; Mary Margaret (Matt) Toor of Northport, FL; Matthew (Alexandra) Toor of Fort Myers, FL; Max Toor of Seattle, WA; and Rowan Toor of Holland, MI;
Great Grandchildren: Emily Calfee, Kara Toor, Quinn White, Kinsale White, Griffin White, Julia Calfee, Molly Puff, Nora White, Yianni Toor, Benjamin Puff, Jack Bruner, Danny Ray Emborski, Ella Bruner, Noah Puff, Niko Toor, and Elena Emborski.

Visitation will take place on Friday, March 13, from 4 to 7 PM. A Rosary will begin at 6:30 PM at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 14, at 11:00 AM at the Basilica of St. Adalbert, 654 Davis Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Barbara will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Hope in Brownstown, Michigan.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to:
Commission on Aging/Adult Day, P.O. Box 614, Bellaire, Mi 49615