Barbara Ann Phillippe, of Douglas, was surrounded by her family and spiritually escorted by Archangel St. Michael to her heavenly father on October 9, 2026. Barbara was a loving wife, mother, a “sparkly” grandma, and “sucker” great grandma.
She was born in Frankfort, Michigan on December 23,1938, to parents Carl and Ruth Johnson. Barbara met her husband Samuel Phillippe Jr. while he was stationed at Empire Air Force Base, they married, September 7, 1957, and spent decades building a life centered around family. After living in several states, they settled in 1970 at their home in Douglas, where she raised their five children. On October 2, 2026, Sam and Barbara had their wedding convalidated by the Catholic Church.
Barbara’s greatest legacy was found in the thousands of small acts of love she gave throughout her life; her home was always a place of Midwest food from a single harvest gold pot, laughter, conversation, and comfort. She loved sewing, knitting, nurturing her beautiful gardens, and rocking each new grandchild and great grandchild while humming the melodizing Quintin’s Theme. She would go on to become a co-owner of Respite Cappuccino Court in Douglas, happily returning to her apron and baking treats for the entire community. She believed no one should leave her home hungry, or empty handed and had a gift for making people feel cared for. Her strong family values, generosity, and love of tradition shaped generations that followed.
Barbara is survived by her husband Samuel Phillippe Jr., her children Pamela Aalderink (Keith), Michael Phillippe (Cydney), Yvonne Dirkse (Jerry), Judie Schippa, and Renee Waddell; 16 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and two sisters; Judy Allen and Yvonne Love.
She was preceded in death by her parents Carl and Ruth Johnson and her sister Betty Lou Love.
Services will be at St. Peters Catholic Church in Douglas on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with a small gathering to follow. The family would be pleased if you wore something sparkling to honor Barbara.
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