Barbara Ann Bartkowiak

Bartkowiak, Barbara Ann (Nee Templin), Age 91, entered in loving arms of Jesus on Tuesday, April 14, 2020after a brief battle with lung cancer. Born in Detroit, MI on November 24, 1926. She attended and graduated from St. Elizabeth Grade and High School, Detroit, MI. Loving Daughter of the late Felix Templin and Cora (Einkorn) Templin. Dear sister of Patricia Durjo and the late Delphine DeGrouchy, Donald DeGrouchy, and Vince Durjo. Devoted mother of Patricia (Kurkowski) Bright, Steven (Rebecca) Kurkowski, Rebecca Kurkowski and the late Sterling Bright. Grandmother of Micah Kurkowski, Lauren Kurkowski, Seth Kurkowski and Chauncie Bright. Barbara married her first husband Joseph Kurkowski on June 21, 1952 and then married her 2nd Husband Gerard "Gerry" Bartkowiak on April 25, 1998, Gerry Passed away on October 13, 2016. 

Barbara was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church for 60 years and was active in multiple church groups. Barbara served in the P.T.A, while her children attended St. Jude School, and was involved in the Girl Scouts with her daughter Patricia and Cub Scouts with her son Steven. In later years, Barbara was a member of the Rosary Alter Society, The Ushers Club, and was a Special Eucharistic Minister, Barbara often represented St. Jude Church at area funeral homes leading prayers and the recitation of the rosary. Barbara also worked for St. Jude in the Rectory, and at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial where she serviced as a housekeeper. Barbara also retired from the Michigan Catholic School system having served as the school secretary at St. Anne Catholic School in Warren, MI. Barbara lovingly and meticulously managed the 50-50 drawing for the Ushers Club, a duty she had to give up when her health made it impossible to continue. 

Barbara was a devoted fan of the Detroit Tigers. She could only attend 1 or 2 games a year but rarely missed watching them on TV or listening to them on the radio. Good or bad, she always loved the Tigers!

Barbara had a life long friend, Sr. Hillary, who was a member of the Sisters of Christian Charity, along many other friends in that Order. It is Barbara’s wish that in lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to the Sisters of Christian Charity, 2041 Elmwood Ave, Wilmette, IL, 60091 or the family for the wishes and needs of the family.

Due to the current situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the limits on social gatherings, a memorial mass will be held at a later date when it is possible for Barbara's family and friends to gather and celebrate her life.