Barbara Jean Hodgins

She was born on October 12, 1936 in Escanaba, daughter to Joseph and Cecile (Bourdelais) LaFleur, Sr. Barbara was raised on the family farm in Bark River. She was very proud of the fact that she was the first person her dad trusted to help with his work. She attended elementary school in Schaffer and graduated from Harris High School, class of 1955.

Barbara was a very-hands on and devoted mother of five children. She was involved in a variety of activities while raising her children; whether she was managing baseball programs, room mother and planning parties or other school activities, Den mother for Cub Scouts, initiating the start of 4-H sewing club, along with several other activities.

While raising her children, Barbara worked at Pipkorn’s Mink Farm during the pelting season and summer. Later in life, she was one of the first women hired at Mead Corporation in 1976. She had multiple jobs during her employment, including, operating the Lime Kiln and paper tester. She retired at the age of 60, in 1996.

Barbara was a very faithful Catholic and member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. She served for over 35 years as a lector, usher, and teaching CCD classes.

During her retirement years, she loved going to the casino and was very active with the Foster Grandparent Program.

Among survivors include her four children, Tony (Nancy) Sheski of Escanaba, Patti Pierce of Dallas, TX, John (Tammie) Sheski of Escanaba, and Peggy (Scott) Lidgard of DeWitt, MI; four grandchildren, Tricia Pierce, Michael (Heather) Sheski, Luke Lidgard, and Maggie Lidgard; five great grandchildren, Kendall, Easton, Madeline, and Lennox Sheski, and Harper Pierce; siblings, Betty Konnak, Patricia Schaffer, and Joe (Carol) LaFleur; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Michael; daughter-in-law, Patty Sheski; sister, Joanne (Bill) Good; brothers-in-law, John Konnak and Art Schaffer; and nephew, Doug Good.

Visitation will be on Friday, January 9th from 1 – 3 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Bark River. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 3 p.m. with Rev. Vinoy Thomas Panthilapadam and Rev. Darryl Pepin concelebrating. A meal will follow in the church hall.

Burial will take place in the spring in Spalding Twp. Cemetery.

A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.