Barbara Ann Serbowicz

Barbara Serbowicz, 88, died peacefully on October 13, 2023, at Heron Woods/Heron Manor Assisted Living community in Grand Rapids, Michigan surrounded by her loving family. Barb was born April 27, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan. Barb suffered from asthma from an early age, necessitating a move from her birthplace to Arizona. (Her dad Ziggy said her lips went from blue to pink by the time they were as far west as St Louis.) After the war when Barb was still young, the family moved from Arizona to Grand Rapids where she graduated from Catholic Central High School, met her future husband Stan, and made lifelong friends. Barb worked at numerous jobs including receptionist positions at the Grand Rapids Board of Education and various insurance agencies. She loved working “downtown”. In addition, she was a caring wife to Stan (deceased 2005), and a loving mother to sons Jim and Rick, and later daughter-in-law, Joyce. She also lovingly cared for her grandson Alex (son of Jim) for many years. Barb will always be remembered for her infectious laugh and good nature, and her love of family and many friends. She made the transition from her condo to an independent living apartment at the Heron Woods community a little over a year ago, made many new friends, and was well accepted and loved by residents and staff. Barb wanted to stay on the northeast side of Grand Rapids, and Heron Woods was literally right next to the neighborhood that she lived in for many years with her husband Stan, raising their two sons. She already knew some of the residents in Heron Woods from the old nearby neighborhood. Getting back to her “breakfast club” at Heron Woods and participating in daily activities there was always an incentive for her to get better during the recent hospital stays. Barb loved time at her family cottage on Gun Lake with the kids and grandkids, and she lived there during many summer weeks while Stan commuted daily back to Grand Rapids. In her later years, family endeavored to get her out there as much as possible. Her last stay at the lake cottage was this past 4th of July holiday, as she enjoyed watching fireworks over the lake out on the pontoon boat. She also enjoyed many hobbies including crafting, making floral arrangements, and decorating in the style of the Southwest (a preference which started while living in Arizona.) Being a very social person, she was a Red Hatter and, in her later years, played dominoes with “the ladies”; after biking, skiing, going to the gym, taking walks, and other physical activities were no longer an option. During Barb’s recent illness she was lovingly cared for by Rick, Jim, and Joyce, with the kind and compassionate support of Palliative Care and Hospice of North Ottawa Community. Barb was preceded in death by her loving husband Stan (2005) and her father “Ziggy” (2010) who lived to be 100. Barb is survived by her son Jim Serbowicz of Grand Rapids, MI and grandson Alex Serbowicz of Venice CA, son Rick Serbowicz (Joyce) of Grand Rapids, grand-daughter Dr. Sheryl Tulin-Silver (Noah) of White Plains, NY, grandson Tom Serbowicz (Amanda) and first great granddaughter, Joy, of Ann Arbor, MI. She is also survived by her brother Jerry Dugal (Marge) of Andover MA, and their children Monica Phillips (Rodney) of Pittsburgh PA, Peg Buscema (Steve) of Bradford MA, and Marty Dugal of Boston MA, and by Barb’s sister Connie McMullen of Canton, MI, and Connie’s daughter Hilary Glomski (Matt) of Canton MI. Barb is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews with whom she kept in contact. Barb was a long-time parishioner at St. Alphonsus Parish in Grand Rapids, MI and volunteered for many years at the St. Alphonsus Food and Clothing Center, which helps provide food and clothing at no cost to those in need. A Funeral Service for Barb will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11:00AM at Arsulowicz Brothers Mortuaries East Mortuary, 937 Michigan Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 where her family will receive visitors one hour prior. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023, from 4:00-8:00PM at Arsulowicz Brothers Mortuaries East Mortuary. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations in Barb’s honor to be made to a worthy cause for the St. Alphonsus Food and Clothing Center, 228 Carrier Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.

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Barbara Ann Serbowicz

April 27, 1935 - October 13, 2023