Barbara Jean Blumka
April 28th, 1941 - June 23rd, 2023
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Barbara's Obituary
Barbara Jean Blumka, 82, passed away on Friday, June 23 at Buchanan Meadows.
Barbara was born on April 28, 1941 to Bernard M. and Lillian E. (Lesny) Blumka in Chicago, IL. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from St Joseph College in East Chicago, Indiana. She taught 3rd grade at Sacred Heart parochial school in Chicago and volunteered at the DeVry Learning Center. Barb had a variety of jobs after moving to Michigan in the early 1970’s. She began substitute teaching and helping with her family farm. Then working at Montgomery Ward’s in Niles and retiring from 5/3 Bank as a teller/manager. At that time, she became a part time florist, Avon representative and a volunteer at Buchanan’s Senior Center.
She had many interests: crocheting, embroidery, gardening, animals, arranging flowers, baking, reading, Christmas, Bingo and most importantly she LOVED to sing and make others happy! Barb was a devoted Catholic. She volunteered at and sang in the choirs for Our Lady of the Lake, Edwardsburg and later at St Anthony’s.
Both her parents, her brother Robert B. Blumka Sr. and nephews Robert B. Blumka Jr. and Paul R. Blumka preceded Barbara in death. She is survived by her sister-in-law, and many nieces and nephews that she loved as her own.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 29, from 6 to 8 pm at Swem Chapel, 301 West Front St, Buchanan, Michigan and from 10-11 am on Friday, prior to mass. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, June 30 at 11 a.m. at St Anthony’s Catholic Church, 509 West Fourth St, Buchanan, Michigan. Cremation and interment will take place at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to Caring Circle-Hospice Center, or St Anthony’s Church. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.
Barbara was born on April 28, 1941 to Bernard M. and Lillian E. (Lesny) Blumka in Chicago, IL. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from St Joseph College in East Chicago, Indiana. She taught 3rd grade at Sacred Heart parochial school in Chicago and volunteered at the DeVry Learning Center. Barb had a variety of jobs after moving to Michigan in the early 1970’s. She began substitute teaching and helping with her family farm. Then working at Montgomery Ward’s in Niles and retiring from 5/3 Bank as a teller/manager. At that time, she became a part time florist, Avon representative and a volunteer at Buchanan’s Senior Center.
She had many interests: crocheting, embroidery, gardening, animals, arranging flowers, baking, reading, Christmas, Bingo and most importantly she LOVED to sing and make others happy! Barb was a devoted Catholic. She volunteered at and sang in the choirs for Our Lady of the Lake, Edwardsburg and later at St Anthony’s.
Both her parents, her brother Robert B. Blumka Sr. and nephews Robert B. Blumka Jr. and Paul R. Blumka preceded Barbara in death. She is survived by her sister-in-law, and many nieces and nephews that she loved as her own.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 29, from 6 to 8 pm at Swem Chapel, 301 West Front St, Buchanan, Michigan and from 10-11 am on Friday, prior to mass. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, June 30 at 11 a.m. at St Anthony’s Catholic Church, 509 West Fourth St, Buchanan, Michigan. Cremation and interment will take place at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to Caring Circle-Hospice Center, or St Anthony’s Church. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.
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