Cynthia Anne Barkeley's Obituary
Cynthia Anne Barkeley, 89, passed away peacefully to her heavenly home, Saturday, December 10, 2022, surrounded in spirit and in person by loved ones.
Cynthia was born November 19, 1933, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She attended Grand Rapids Catholic Central and went on to attend Michigan State University. Her time at MSU turned out to be one the most pivotal moments of her life when she met her soulmate, Norman Barkeley.
Cynthia was an active member of the Assistance League, where she spent her time giving back to multiple charities and made lifelong friends. Her biggest accomplishment, however, was her family. She was a steadfast pillar of support and encouragement as Norm raised through the ranks of his career. A loving, doting mother and wife, Norm often said his biggest asset was Cynthia.
Affectionately nicknamed "Lucy" (after getting herself into pickles you’d only see during an episode of “I Love Lucy”) and “Queen of the Universe” (our universe, at least), she’s left an indescribable impression and mark on our world.
All she needed was a cold Coors, a captive audience, and she was in her element. A matriarch in every sense of the word, Cynthia’s lasting legacy was truly the tight knit family she left behind.
She was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, Norman Barkeley, father and mother, Dr. Robert Karl and Hester, daughter, Debbie, and son, Donald. She is survived by her sister, Sharon (Bob) Borlet, brother, Dr. Robert Karl, Jr.; her children, Susan (Mark) Arminio, Bill (Mary Beth) Barkeley, Jim (Pam) Barkeley, Sue Brown Barkeley; her grandchildren Mark Jr., John (Katie), Matthew (Sonia), Patrick (Breanne), Sharon, John (Anne Kash), Brian (Tyra), William, Daniel, Clare (Doug), Shannon (Darragh), Joseph, Katherine, Erica, Holly, Samantha, Maxwell, Jessica, Allie; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 15, 2022, at St. Patrick – St. Anthony Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Schwartz and Rev. Loc Trinh, as celebrants. Friends may meet the family from 5 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 14, at the VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. The Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Interment will be in Lakeshore Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to:
Foundation Fighting Blindness
925 Oakland Mills Road, #701,
Columbia, MD 21045
Donations can be mailed directly to: Foundation Fighting Blindness, P.O. Box 45740, Baltimore, MD 21297-5740.
What’s your fondest memory of Cynthia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Cynthia?
Share a story where Cynthia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Cynthia you’ll never forget.
How did Cynthia make you smile?
