Negaunee –Barbara Lynn Boyer, 48, of 214 N. Teal Lake Avenue, Negaunee, and former Marquette resident, entered eternal life Monday morning, December 4, 2006. A much loved member of our family, she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Born September 25, 1958, to Gary and Connie Boyer, Barb grew up in Marquette, second oldest of a large family of nine. She attended St. Peter’s Catholic School until the family moved briefly to Ventura, CA, returning to Marquette in the mid-60’s. Here, Barb continued her education, eventually graduating from Marquette Senior High School with honors. After high school, she attended secretarial school and began a long office manager career. Capitalizing on her people skills, she worked for the Norand Corporation in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After the birth of her son, Joe, she relocated back to Marquette in 1985. While managing the Marquette American Heart Association branch office for 12 years, she made many friends with her loving nature and smile, while being a devoted single mother. After her office closed, she continued to occupy her time caring for her son, her dogs, Michael, Baby, Bandit, and Tyke, her cat, Emmy, and her numerous collections and plants. Barb loved traveling, movies, collecting unicorns and Scotty dogs, nature, animals, and being creative. She made photo collages and homemade Christmas items. Even when she had little money, she would bring a nice plant or flowers to brighten someone else’s day. She was a good person who liked to help others and animals; and had a wonderful sense of humor.
Barb was an affectionate mother, daughter, sister, and friend and had many people who loved her in return. Survivors include her son, Joseph V. Boyer of Grand Rapids; her mother, Constance E. Boyer of Marquette; her siblings, Debbie Koenig, Julie (Lance) Tomison, Gary J. (Janet) Boyer, and Penny S. Boyer all of Marquette, Rose (Steve) Talaga of Negaunee, and Cathy (Bill) Willey of Grand Rapids; her uncle, James (Linda) Cote of Marquette; and her aunt, Sharon (James) Laakko of St. Ignace. Also surviving are her nephews and niece, Peter and Jon Koenig, Joshua Zak, and Dylan Boyer of Marquette; Tony and Stephanie Willey of Grand Rapids, and Steve and Jacob Talaga of Negaunee; and family friend, Henry Johnston of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Barb was preceded in death by her father, Gary “Gus-Gibby” Boyer in 2004; her infant sister, Suanne Marie; infant brother, Richard John; maternal grandmother, Elsie Cote; and maternal great aunt, Ruth Katajamaki, earlier this year.
The family will receive relatives and friends at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Friday, December 8, beginning at 2:00 pm. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 pm Friday afternoon, in the funeral home, with Rev. Msgr. Jed Patrick, officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Boyer Family, 228 W. Bluff Street, Marquette, MI 49855.