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MANISTIQUE -- Barbara Lynn McDonald, age 71, of Manistique, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at her home in Manistique. She was born on March 20, 1955 in Manistique and was the daughter of Jack and Arlean (Dixon) Messer.
Barbara grew up in Gulliver and graduated from Manistique High School in 1973. She was employed as Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital in Manistique for 34 years as a cook and the housekeeping department until her retirement.
On August 1, 1987, the former Barbara Messer married Robert McDonald of Manistique in the chapel at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital. He preceded her in death on April 21, 2026.
Barbara loved people and enjoyed visiting with family and friends. To her, no one was ever a stranger. She also loved dancing, eating out, sweets and was an extremely generous person.
Barbara is survived by her children, Sheila Kay, Scott, Lynn, Patrick, and Tanya; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; siblings Stanley Messer, Arthur Messer, Richard Messer, and Beverly Miller.
In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by twin brother Barry Messer, infant brother John B. Messer, and brother Boyd Messer.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Wood Cemetery in Doyle Township, with Father Ben Paris from St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Manistique officiating. Burial will follow.
A celebration of Barb's life will take place following the cemetery service at the V.F.W. Post in Manistique, with fellowship and a luncheon to be served.
The Anderson Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the McDonald family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.
