In Memory

Barbara A Revoir

Barbara A Revoir

Barbara Ann ReVoir heard the words “Come On Down!” Sunday, January 29th, 2023.  Unfortunately it wasn’t on her favorite game show, The Price Is Right.  It wasn’t even a week day so she should have known something was a little off, but she was ready for Contestant’s Row in much the same way; at home in her bed, peaceful and content, cheering for the oldest competitor. This time it was her.

Barb believed that family and friends, both present and past, were always near. She took great comfort in knowing that her parents, Gerald and Esther Fredendall ReVoir, brother Gary, nephew Ian Kramp, beloved friends Judy Beyer, Nan Voss, Marilyn Hellman Butler, Ruth Johnson, and Rose Olech were waiting for her arrival at Heaven’s Euchre table.

Barb will be waiting in Paradise for those she loves so very much; her daughter Amy ReVoir DeSmet, son-in-law Edward, and granddaughter Lucy.  Barb would say that her incredible family was a gift every person should have the blessing (and occasional burden) to appreciate and share. Sisters Diane Barnhouse, Lisa Kramp and her husband Stewart, and sister-in-law Karen Hellman Stout have lost another sibling, but will forever keep the family connected to Barb through their retellings of family events with Barb’s hilarious observations and calculated, witty responses.  Barb’s daughter, nieces and nephews have a bond more like siblings and have continued to pass down the values, beliefs, and ridiculous sense of humor from Barb’s grandparents descending to her great-great nieces and nephews. Oral histories, photos, videos, and shared special event’s memories communicate Barb’s matriarchal role and complete apathy and indifference for “appropriateness”. Aunt Barb was extraordinarily cherished and will be greatly missed by nieces Katherine and Karen ReVoir, Kimberly ReVoir Matlock and her husband Mark; nephews Gary J. ReVoir II and his wife Tammy, Peter Barnhouse, Matthew and his wife Joy Barnhouse, and Malcolm and Connor Kramp. This growing family includes great nephews and nieces Joshua and Alexis Matlock, Logan and Stephanie Matlock, Victoria ReVoir and John Balbusa, Alexandra ReVoir and Kevin Garcia. The youngest generation has begun with Barb’s great-great nephews and niece, Hunter, Lincoln, and Harper Matlock.  Barb is also survived by her aunts Mona ReVoir Maxwell and Eileen Fredendall.  Barb was beyond blessed to be among 45 first cousins; of whom Barb shared sister relationships with Janet and Joan Fredendall and Bethany Maxwell.  The ReVoirs wish to thank Christine Allen, Alketa Bregu, Padma Veerapanini, and Lisa Pruess for their constant commitment to participate in Barb’s best days as well as her worst when she experienced health troubles and physical challenges.  Support continues to be ever present from Amy’s friends Hwa-Ling Russell, Sue Beech, Dee Vayda, Connie Guzinski DeSmet, Julia Resovsky, Denise Zirker, and Marisela Fernandez-Aragon who continue to wrap the warmth of love Barb demonstrated to so many others, around Barb’s daughter and granddaughter.

In the weeks prior to Barb’s peaceful passing, she was cared for by guardian angels Edward and Teresa DeSmet.  Their patience, sensitivity, and unconditional love for the entire family provided Barb with personalized companionship and unlimited physical care during a very difficult holiday season and beginning to 2023.  

Barbara began working in Port Huron at 15 years old as a Candy Striper for PH General Hospital.  She was then employed by Kresge’s Department store as a clerk.  Barb worked for the Department of the Navy in Washington D.C. in the late 1960’s.  Back in Port Huron, Barbara worked for Michigan Bell Telephone in their emerging computer technology department and transitioned to customer services for the Ameritech Company in Roseville, Michigan.  After retirement, she worked for a customs brokerage firm on the Blue Water Bridge.  Her job in Heaven is surely selecting Lotto winners or the winning Lotto numbers.

Barb’s greatest treasure was her granddaughter Lucy.  Amma (Barb’s Grandmother name) was Lucy’s first teacher, domestic role-model, and personal comedian.  Barb is credited with Lucy’s superior academic performance, powerful, unrelenting work ethic, and healthy life-style choices (for Lucy, not Amma).  When Lucy went to kindergarten, Barb went to kindergarten, too, and stayed at Tyler Elementary for the next ten years where she was a beloved teacher’s aide,  touching the hearts of hundreds of children as a surrogate “Amma”.

Barb despised Canadian license plates, her hearing aides, automatic magazine renewals, and anything associated with the 45th president.

  Information and invitations to a Celebration of Life for Barbara will be forthcoming, as the Michigan weather allows for planting and gardening (see. Obituary and photo memories are available on the Griffin Funeral Home, Canton, Michigan website:  www.griffinfuneralhome.com)







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