Barbara Ann Collette, 69

Published 10:38 am Friday, October 11, 2013

Barbara Ann Collette, 69, of Champion, Mich., passed away Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, at her home while in loving care of her family and Lake Superior Hospice.

Collette

Barbara was born Aug. 31, 1944, in Long Beach, Calif., to William Wilson & Betty (Wright) and adopted at a young age by Byron Lewison. Her family moved to Minnesota, where she graduated from Austin High School in Austin, Minn. She married Franklin Collette on June 9, 1962, and they raised three children.

Barbara devoted much of her time to genealogy, and photography. She worked with the National Find-A-Grave program taking many photographs of grave sites in the Champion Cemetery. She also worked with Family Services a military program helping veteran’s families with housing and other needs. Barbara enjoyed camping, spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, sewing and quilting. Barbara was a member of the NRA and Calvary Baptist Church in Negaunee where she served as a secretary for years.

Barbara is survived by her husband Franklin Carl Collette, two children Dawn (Edward) Czenkus of Negaunee and Kari (John) Torrey of Ferrysburg, Mich., daughter-in-law Kelly Collette of Perham, Minn., two sisters Billie Lea (Gary) Poorman of St. Louis Park, Minn., and Jolene (Wayne) Schimek of Hayfield, Minn., a brother, Sydney (Cory) Lewison of Salem, Ind., seven grandchildren: Jason (Marie) Czenkus, Justin (Amy) Czenkus, Michael (friend Liz) Czenkus, Andrew Cater, Hannah Cater, Delaney Torrey and Benjamin Collette, 10 great grandchildren: Dominik, Stephen, Leah, Collin, Luke, Milana, Noah, Evan, Addison and Andrew along with numerous nieces and nephews. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Byron and Betty, and a son Stephen Collette.

Barbara’s family will greet relatives and friends on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church in Negaunee where funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. with Pastor Randy Reed officiating. Interment will take place in the Champion Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Barbara’s grandchildren.

Memorial considerations may be directed Calvary Baptist Church 105 Iroquois Dr Negaunee, MI 49866 in memory of Barbara.

Barbara’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.