Barbara Jean Bidwell

Barbara J. Bidwell Age 87, of South Lyon, previous longtime resident of Northville, passed away peacefully January 25, 2017. She was born May 23, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan; daughter of James and Beatrice (Pickett) Earl. Barbara graduated in 1947 from Redford High School. She was united in marriage to Lawrence H. Bidwell on October 15, 1949. They spent over 51 loving years together until his death in 2000. Barbara began a career as a Telephone Operator for Michigan Bell and later worked for the Northville State Hospital; she retired in 1991. Being with family was the most important aspect of Barbara’s life. She was an avid reader and enjoyed cooking and canning. Barbara loved to entertain in the summer; hosting annual picnics for family and friends. She was a loving, compassionate and sweet mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend.     Barbara is survived by her children, Dennis (Linda) Bidwell, Deniece (John) Strack, Janice (Michael) Batt, Deanna (Christopher) Turbiak, Jeffery (Darlene) Bidwell, and Brian (Wendy) Bidwell; her brothers, James Earl and Roger (Anne) Earl; her grandchildren, Jillian (Brian) Budzyn, Emma Bidwell, Andrew (Caitlin) Strack, Jennifer (Matthew Lafountain) Strack, Erin Batt, Laurin (Daniel) Bowling, Jaclin Batt, Benjamin Turbiak, Angela Turbiak, Julia Turbiak, Alex Turbiak, David Bidwell, Daniel Bidwell, Kayla Bidwell, and Taylor Bidwell; and her great grandchildren, Katelyn Batt, Olivia Bowling, Alayna Bowling, Isaac Strack, Gabriel Strack, and Logan Kaczmarek. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother David Earl, and her sister Thelma Schoen. A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held Monday, January 30, 2017 with a memorial visitation from 2pm until 6pm at Bakers of Milford, 2025 South Milford Road, Milford, MI 48381. Memorial contributions would be appreciated to Forgotten Harvest, 21800 Greenfield Road, Oak Park, Michigan 48237. www.forgottenharvest.org