Barbara L. Cleary

Barb had a faithful marriage of 68 years to her husband Tom. In the span of 13 years Barb and Tom had 9 children; Mike (Connie), John (Jann), Joe (Jan), Tom, Dan, Mary Ann (Saundra), Andrew, Bob (Linda), and Regina (David). They were also blessed with 22 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, oldest son Mike, grandson Jack, brother Jack Larson, and sister Mary Wygant.

Barbara, known affectionately as Puzzy, was born on October 4, 1933 and raised in the small town of Rock in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She had two brothers, Jack and Jim, and one sister, Mary. Her father, Clarence, was a partner in the Larson Brother’s General Store, and her mother, Anna Carr, was a school teacher.

After high school Barbara left Rock and jumped on the train and traveled to Evanston, Illinois to work as a nanny. Her next big move was to Escanaba where she served as Deputy Clerk of Delta County. In 1956 she married Tom and within three years they had their first two children. In 1959 Barb and Tom crossed the newly-built Mackinac Bridge and headed to Lansing where Tom began his career as Michigan’s Deputy State Treasurer eventually forming the Michigan Legislative Consultants lobbying firm. While they annually returned to their beloved UP to visit family and enjoy summer vacations, they spent the next 65 years growing an extended family in East Lansing, with the last 60 of those years in the same home on King Court.

Barb’s life was filled with Family, Faith, and Friends. She loved nothing more than to be surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was famous for making large meals and feeding crowds. Her banana bread and chocolate chip cookies were infamous and gave nourishment and comfort to many people and pets during her lifetime. Barbara received great spiritual fulfillment from her Catholic Faith and her strong connection to the St. Thomas Aquinas Community. She made a special bond with her dearest friends on King Court who became like family to her.

Shortly before Barbara took her final breath she received a note from her 7 year-old great grandson who wrote perfectly what we are all feeling: “GG, life will not be easy without you. You will never be forgotten. I will always love you.”

Visitation will be at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 955 Alton Road, East Lansing on Monday, June 3, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 6:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at STA at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4, with additional visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. To view the livestream of the Funeral Mass, please visit https://www.youtube.com/c/outreachmass

A Catholic Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery will take place at a future date. In accordance with her wishes, her body has been donated to Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and the College of Osteopathic Medicine to help prepare the next generation of medical caregivers. Spartans Will.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Greater Lansing Food Bank in Barbara’s memory.