Barbara J. DeClercq

Barbara J. DeClercq, age 85, of Grand Blanc, Michigan passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023. Barbara was born on January 24, 1937 in Highland Park, Michigan to the late Joseph and Stella Hilaszek. She graduated from Marygrove College in Detroit with her Bachelor of Arts in Education. Upon becoming a single mom, Barbara began her professional career as a substance abuse counselor with Intake Assessment and Referral Center (IARC) in Flint. Barbara continued her social work profession working in Genesee County Jail under the direction of Sheriff Joe Wilson. Barbara concluded her 15 years of service with Genesee County working at the Genesee County Health Department with the Infant Mental Health program. Barbara lived her life guided by her Catholic faith. She was a longtime member of Holy Family Catholic Church. She assured her children received a Catholic education at Holy Family School. She spent her retirement years joining friends at the Fenton Library book club, always enjoyed reading books of history and mystery. Barbara loved gardening and sports; football, basketball and golf being her favorite pastimes to watch on t.v. She always made time to watch her grandchildren play their sports; soccer, football, and basketball. Barbara was a loving mother, not only to her three children, but to their friends. She always made time to love and support anyone who needed help. Barbara loved spending time in South Carolina. A special thank you is extended to Lexington Medical Center of West Columbia and to Lexington Hospice Hospital. Barbara is survived by her son, Paul (Terrie) DeClercq; daughter, Ann (Brian) Kita; grandchildren: Brandon (Amanda) DeClercq, Bryce (Rebecca Gieleghem) Kita, Zachary Kita, Lauryn Kita; great grandchildren: Bennett DeClercq, Schylar DeClercq, Ryland DeClercq, Ezekiel DeClercq, Remie DeClercq; and life long friend, Sister Catherine DeClercq. Barbara was preceded in death by her son, Christopher DeClercq and her parents, Joseph and Stella Hilaszek. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 30, 2023 from 2pm-4pm and 5pm-8pm, with Rosary Prayer Service at 7pm at Hill Funeral Home - 11723 S. Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, Michigan. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 10am with one hour of visitation prior to at Holy Family Catholic Church - 11804 S. Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorial contributions to Holy Family Catholic School or to Adrian Dominican Sisters http://www.adriandominicans.org in memory of Barbara. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillfh.com for the DeClercq family.