Barbara Diane Amacher

Barbara was born on June 4th, 1947, in Bay City Michigan to Robert Michael and Audrey Jean (Everest)Tobin.

Barb was the eldest of six children spanning sixteen years. She took her role as big sister to heart changing diapers and even setting up pretend classes for the little ones. After graduating from St. Joseph’s High School as valedictorian, she attended Central Michigan University where she graduated with a degree in teaching. Barb taught for four and a half years at Walsh Elementary in Utica Schools before having to step back due to her diagnosis of Lupus (SLE).

On July 4th, 1973, she met the love of her life, Richard Amacher. He surprised her with his proposal at Thanksgiving that year. After accepting immediately, she later asked him to renege when diagnosed with a deadly disease. Nevertheless, they were married May 4th, 1974. Together they settled into marriage in Rochester Hills and adopted their son, Matthew, in 1980 and their daughter, Meghan, in 1984.

Barb thrived in her role as mother and raised two children that absolutely adore her. She led quietly by example making her husband, children, and everyone she knew strive to be better. She never uttered a harsh word but almost always prevailed.

Barb had many titles in her 76 years including wife, daughter, mother, sister, niece, aunt, friend, teacher, tutor, and her favorite, Grandma. She had lifelong friendships and truly impacted those she met whether it was for 5 minutes or a lifetime.

Barb was an avid gardener, reader, traveler, bird watcher, jigsaw puzzle completer to name just a few. She fought bravely for almost 50 years through countless flares and treatments. She decided she had had enough once she saw her husband and children would be OK.

Barb is survived by her loving husband Richard, her children Matthew and Meghan, granddaughter Emma, her mother aged ninety-six, five brothers and sisters, their spouses, many nieces, nephews, and their children who all love her without exception.

She made the bravest decision to enter hospice at home on 10/13/2023 and she passed peacefully on Sunday October 15th, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones. Barb will be deeply missed, and everyone was better off for knowing her.

Interment of ashes will be at Mount Avon Cemetery in Rochester, Michigan. A celebration of Barb’s life will be held in the spring of 2024 around when she and Dick would have celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary.

Memorial Contributions in Barb’s honor are appreciated to the Michigan Lupus Foundation, Rochester Neighborhood House, or Oakland University William Beaumont Medical School.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pixleyfh.com for the Amacher family.