Barbara Ann Teasley's Obituary
Barbara Ann Teasley, age 88 of Grand Haven, loved by family and friends, passed away surrounding by family on Sunday August 1, 2021. She was born Barbara Ann Szymas in Grand Haven, Michigan January 14, 1933 to Joe and Lena (Crouse) Szymas. Barb graduated from Grand Haven High School where shortly after she began working as secretary. She met the love of her life, Howard Lee Teasley at a party given by her brother Jim. They married June 22,1957 and together they built a home next to her parents where they raised their five children, Lorrie, Joe, Marcie, Hank and Bob.
Barb spent most of her younger years raising her children and supporting Howard. As her children got older, she also worked for St Patrick’s Religious Education office, Papaws Patch, and Pneumatic Assembly.
Barb’s true passion and life’s work was as a mother and grandmother. Devoted and tireless, the great joy of her life was her children and grandchildren, and she delighted in the bonds she built with each of them. Being small in stature, her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s one goal has been to grow taller than grandma Barb, always measuring each year when she came home from wintering in Zephyrhills Florida. As her dementia progressed all you needed to do to make her smile was bring a child to visit.
While in Florida Barb and Howard made many close friendships and Barb was active in planning events and celebrating with friends at Palmview Gardens. She enjoyed seeing her Florida friends at the Michigan picnic every June.
Barb was quick to make friends and make sure everyone felt included and welcomed. If you were in their home she would make sure you had something to eat or drink. Mom/grandma always made birthdays special and she loved a good party. She enjoyed playing cards, gardening, canning, camping, puzzles, and Monday night bingo at the Knights of Columbus. Her favorite thing in life was enjoying a dish of ice cream with family and friends.
Barb was always generous, positive, joyful and kind. She always assumed the best in others and had a kind word and something positive to say about everyone. Because of this, she made friends easily, from all walks, and she was a friend for life.
Barb was a very active member of the Catholic Church here and in Florida. She went to St. Patrick’s Catholic school until high school. After she and Howard married and moved to Robinson Township, she was very involved at St. Anthony’s Church, teaching religious education, a member of the Altar Society, helping to start birthday lunches and the prayer chain.
Barb is survived by her husband of 64 years, Howard Teasley and children: Lorrie (Paul Buckner) Henrickson, Joe (Cathy) Teasley, Marcie (Tim) Lynch, Hank (Deb) Teasley and Bob (DeeDee) Teasley. Barb had many grandchildren including, Greg, Kyle (Abby), Rachael (Zaven), Matthew (Emily), Andrew (Brittany), Alicia (Chris), Staci (Zak),John (Cam), Steven (Sarah) and Hanna (Alec). She also had great grandchildren including, Joseph, Leilany, Max, Mya, Lizzie, Kaiden, Kaci, Sophie, Hadley, Brody, Noah, Harrison, and Ryder; special sister-in-law, Tini (Bob DeCamp) Teasley; brother-in-law, Stew (Rob) Teasley; sisters in law, Mary Szymas and Mary Teasley. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brothers, Joe and Jim Szymas, sister and best friend, Patricia Ryder (Joe Ryder).
The family would like to thank neighbors who shared their friendship and help. We would like to express our appreciation for lifelong friends and family who were such an important part of her life in good times and bad. We would like to honor the angels at American House and Hospice who not only took care of mom during these final stages but also gave her their love and tenderness.
The Funeral Mass for Barb will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, August 5, 2021, at St. Patrick’s - St. Anthony’s Parish. Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, with a rosary at 7:00 PM at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave. Grand Haven, MI 49417. Family will also meet friends and family one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of North Ottawa Community. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com
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