Nancy Barich

Nancy Dick Barich
January 8, 1947 – June 2, 2025
Nancy Dick Barich, a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, loyal sister, and true friend, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, at the age of 78. Known for her quick wit, warm heart, and infectious laugh, Nancy brought joy and humor wherever she went and left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know her.
Nancy's humor, strength, and fierce loyalty made her unforgettable to everyone lucky enough to cross her path. She was the kind of person who could light up a room with her presence and always knew the perfect thing to say-whether it was heartfelt or hilariously inappropriate. Her laughter was the kind that made others laugh just hearing it, and her stories-often embellished for dramatic effect-were legendary.
Born in Toronto, Ontario, on January 8, 1947, to Betty and Gordon Dick, Nancy moved to the United States at the age of six with her parents and sister, Linda. She grew up in the metro Detroit area and graduated from Kimball High School in Royal Oak. Nancy went on to study Interior Design at Northwood University in Midland, Michigan-a reflection of her keen eye for beauty and detail that she carried with her throughout life.
Nancy's life was filled with love and resilience. She first married Donald "Butch" McCatty, with whom she had two beautiful children, Kelly and Paul. After years of raising a family and navigating life with grace and strength, Nancy found love again with James Barich. The two married on March 23, 1997, and shared 28 years of unwavering love, laughter, and companionship.
Professionally, Nancy was a respected and skilled paralegal. She worked with Sandy Gelman, Butzel Long, Ribitwer & Associates, and John Schaefer, among others, earning admiration for her dedication and intelligence until her retirement in 2015.
Nancy was a woman of many passions. She loved bowling, softball, water aerobics, and card games-especially when shared with friends. Her competitive spirit was matched only by her love for fun. Even more than her activities, Nancy treasured the people in her life. Her circle of friends was wide, loyal, and filled with laughter-just like she was.
Though her final years were marked by the challenges of COPD and the deep grief of losing her son, Paul, Nancy's courage, humor, and love for her family never wavered. She remained a bright light to those around her.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Kelly Miller; daughter-in-law, Jill McCatty; cherished grandchildren Alyssa Walker, Aaron Miller, Brendan, Lauren, and Reagan McCatty; and great-grandchildren Roman and Josiah Woodard. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Linda Milam (Jim Rich); brother-in-law, Jerry Barich; niece Jenny (Tom) Calnen; Dr. Delayne Giguiere (Kim); nephews Troy (Ksusha)and Jameson(Teresca) Milam; great-nieces Julia and Lauren Calnen; and many dear and close cousins in Canada.
Nancy was preceded in death by her first husband, Donald McCatty; her beloved son, Paul Alexander McCatty; and her sister-in-law, Cindy Barich.
A memorial service to celebrate Nancy's life will be held on Saturday, July 26, at 3:00 PM at Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors, 1368 North Crooks Road, Clawson. Friends and loved ones are invited to gather beginning at 2:00 PM to share memories and honor a truly unforgettable woman.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Michigan Animal Rescue League, a cause close to Nancy's heart. Donations may be made online or sent to 790 Featherstone, Pontiac, MI 48342.
Nancy lived a full and meaningful life, one rich with love, laughter, and a dash of mischief. Her memory will live on in the stories we tell, the laughs we share, and the love she gave so freely. She would want us to celebrate life, hug our loved ones, and always find time for a good game-and a better laugh.