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| Service Information Velma J. Barbachyn |
| Visitation: Thursday, January 30, from 6 - 8 pm at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St. SE Service: 11 am Friday, January 31, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 2700 Baldwin St. Jenison, MI Cemetery: Resurrection, Wyoming, MI Memorials: St. Jude Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 stjude.org |
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| Velma Barbachyn, honored woman, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother left this earthly world on Friday, January 24, 2025. Velma was born to James and Hazel Porter on February 7, 1936. We all celebrate this birthdate, for we have all been enriched because of it! Velma was preceded in death by her sisters, Arlene, Sally, Wilma and her brother, Frank. Still left to mourn her loss are brothers, Albert and Richard, as well as many nieces and nephews. Velma devoted 110% to her ever-growing family; including husband of 69 years, Bob, children, Mike (Cheri), Nancy (Dana) and David (Karen). Grandchildren are Sarah (Ben), Steven, Eric, Heidi (Mitch), Carolyn (Kevin), Tyler (Bree), Adam (Erin), Laura (Anthony) and Joshua (Alex), and there are 12 great grandchildren. Velma spent countless hours creating doll clothes and toy chests for the grandchildren in her life, and crocheted numerous afghan blankets for all. These creations will live on for generations. Velma worked for many years supporting her family, and held office positions at the City of Grand Rapids and Godwin Heights Public Schools. This is where she befriended Vic and Sandie Wolven, close friends for over 40 years. Together, Velma and Bob enjoyed many trips abroad, traveling to Australia, New Zeeland, Italy, Scandinavia, Israel, British Isles and Alaska. In addition, more than 20 winters were spent in Texas and Florida, which also brought much joy and numerous friendships. Greater family vacations took the entire family on a Caribbean Cruise and Disney World excursion. If not for the Covid Pandemic, there would have been a third family trip to Mexico. Velma had many special friends through the years, including BFF, Harriet Alberda and her high school related group, Ada Jane, Bonnie, Audrey and Marilyn. Grandma (Frye) Barnett was like a second mother helping to mold all of these girls. What a treasure she was. Also of influence was Geneva Kirn, Velma’s stepmother and all-around superb human being. A devout Catholic, Velma volunteered at Holy Redeemer Church. She was especially fond of Father Phong, who was a highlight in the twilight of her years. What a witness and example of true faithfulness he was, even up until the day of Velma’s death, where he provided a special family prayer service. The family would like to acknowledge care givers to Velma, especially Dr. Banga, nurse Karla, Drs. Divic and Lee, nurse Bobbi Jo and all of the 9th floor staff at Butterworth Hospital. Velma was always there for us and others that needed help and guidance. She will be missed, as will her famous pound cake and apple pie squares. She will, however, always be carried forward by those she touched. We are so proud of how she lived and died. The family will greet visitors on Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 6 to 8 PM at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th Street, SE, Grand Rapids, MI. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish, 2700 Baldwin St. Jenison 49428. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. |
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STROO FUNERAL HOME
1095 68TH ST SE
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49508
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