Sheila A. Barbe

Sheila Ann Barbe, 83, of Hancock, formerly of Iron Mountain, passed away on Wednesday, November 13 at U.P. Health System - Portage in Hancock. She was born October 2, 1936 in Hancock, daughter of the late Edgar and Mary (Shea) Richards, formerly of Iron Mountain. Sheila graduated from Hancock High School going on to complete programs in Cosmetology (Green Bay, WI) and Nursing Assistance (Iron Mountain, MI). Additionally, she found time to enjoy working for Mary Kay Cosmetics and Long Grove Confectionaries in Long Grove IL, allowing her to share her love of sweets! On June 8, 1957, Sheila married Jean Louis Barbe (Coniston, ON Canada), and they spent the next 54 years together until his death in 2011. They lived in various places including Sudbury ON, Canada, Kearney and Tucson AZ, White Pine, MI, and Chicago, IL eventually settling in Iron Mountain in 1967 where they raised their family. Sheila was a member of St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic church in Iron Mountain, Pine Grove Country Club and The Chippewa Club. She was active in gardening, bible studies and sang in the local community choir. Sheila was known for her immense capacity to love. If she entered a room… so did laughter. Fun is the best word to describe her. Her words of wisdom to those left behind, “Always look for the good in people, sometimes it is hard to find…. but everyone has good in them. If you can find that good, it will make you a better person.” Her greatest joy were her children, Mary Bridget (Larry) Wetzel of Golden, CO, Julie (David) Sprenger of Laurium, MI, and Cally (John) Furton of Sandy, UT; grandchildren, Diane (Garrett) Woodruff, Daniel and Douglas Wetzel, and Andrew, Grant, and Reid Furton. Her sister, Mary Clare (Ray) Branz of Naples, FL preceded her in death. She was loved and cherished by an expansive family of cousins, nieces and nephew-both Canadian and US. Sheila left behind many long life friends, all which were dear to her heart. They, too, were part of her family. She touched many lives! A Memorial Mass and luncheon will be held for Sheila in June and will be announced at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Assoc.(alz.org) or your favorite local community garden in remembrance of Sheila’s love of flowers. Condolences to the family of Sheila Barbe may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Sheila A. Barbe

October 2, 1936 - November 13, 2019