Barbara Jeanne Velazquez

Through the life of Barbara Velazquez we are reminded that little value is found in building wealth or the accumulation of possessions, but that it is in loving those around us that we are richly blessed. She was the sort of woman who savored every moment she was given, remaining content in all things. Blessed to spend more than 50 years with the love of her life by her side, Barbara skillfully nurtured five children who later added numerous branches to her family tree. Life will never be the same without her here, but all who knew Barbara will forever hold her memory near and dear to their hearts. The years of the 1930s were some of the most trying days our nation has ever seen as the entire decade was cloaked in hardship due to the unrelenting grip of the Great Depression. By 1937 things were looking a bit brighter as the unemployment rate was on the decline while the agricultural industry was recovering from a crippling drought in our nations heartland that spanned nearly two years. Despite the challenges around them a young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, was pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby girl on October 30th. Barbara Jeanne was one of two children born to her parents, Malcolm and Dorothy (Whiteman) Kaiser, and was raised in the family home in the East Muskegon area alongside her brother, Jack. As the 1930s gave way to the 1940s, we soon saw the harsh realities of war as we entered WWII on December 8, 1941, after the vicious attack at Pearl Harbor. Barbara did many of the things that young children so often do, experiencing a childhood that was reflective of the times. She was a bit of a tomboy who usually preferred climbing trees over playing with dolls, and she was quite close with her brother. Barbara also loved horses as a young girl and had close friendships with Nina and Connie. She was a student at Froebel & Carr School. New and exciting days were on the horizon for Barbara when she met the young man who stole her heart. His name was Agustin Velazquez, and they met at a local arcade. The couple was smitten with one another and soon began dating. With a desire to build a life together they were married on February 17, 1956, after dating for two years. Together they welcomed five children into their hearts and home: Susie Mary in 1956, Michael Steve in 1958, Karen Ann in 1961, Timothy Malcolm in 1963, and Judy Lynn in 1968. Barbara and Agustin raised their family in a home in the Muskegon area near Marquette School. From the moment she became a mother Barbara took her role very seriously as she selflessly tended to the needs of her children. Family time was a priority in the Velazquez family, and there was rarely a dull moment either. There were fun camping trips to Pioneer Park and adventures to Deer Park Fun Land. The holidays were always a special time when Barbara was around as there were plenty of activities for the kids and traditions like baking holiday treats and making homemade decorations. Barbara always insisted on having the biggest tree she could find that needed to actually be fastened to the wall by a string that was nailed in to keep it from falling over! Everything that came out of Barbaras kitchen was fantastic as her cooking and baking skills had no equal. The whole family often enjoyed rides around Pere Marquette Park complete with a stop at Sally Jons Bakery or for ice cream. These outings frequently included a stop at the Riveras House for a visit, too. All who knew Barbara would agree that she certainly knew how to put the sparkle into life. On one such occasion she gave her father the ride of his life as he was trying to teach his daughter to drive. A couple of Barbaras kids were in the back seat, and these were the days before there was much concern for seat belts. They went to a deserted area and her father took his place in the middle of the front seat, which was fine until Barbara hit the brakes so hard that he went flying forward, splitting his head open on the rear view mirror in the process! Barbara loved both cats and birds, although her daughters were less than thrilled when their father let the birds out of the cage as the thought of birds flying in their faces left her daughters running for cover to the bathroom! Although spending time with her husband and children always topped her list, Barbara did keep busy with other things as well. For many years she worked at Bishops Celery Farm where her duties included everything from planting the seedlings to harvesting the crops. She had a few close friends as an adult, too, including, Evelyn Pickart, Opal Bartoli, Carol (Sheffer) Verhoven, Nellie Ortiz, Sally Rivera, and Erma Rodgiruez. Barbara was gifted at crocheting and ceramics, and she loved riding her Schwinn bicycle all over. Later in life Barbara was delighted to become a grandmother. She savored every minute spent with her grandchildren and was known to have them over just because. Barbara regularly spent quality time with them doing things like going to the beach and making Christmas cookies. When reflecting on the life of Barbara Velazquez, words such as caring, compassionate, and selfless come to mind. She had a warm and vibrant personality that drew others near with ease, and she shared her life with numerous treasured friends. Barbara considered it to be both her highest calling and her greatest blessing to care for her husband and children, impacting the lives of others for generations to come. A lifelong resident of the community she loved, Barbara will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. Barbara J. Velazquez died Thursday, October 18, 2012. Barbaras family includes her husband, Agustin; sons, Michael (Benedicta) Velazquez of TX, Timothy Velazquez of Muskegon; daughters, Susie (Robert) Neiser of Muskegon, Karen (David) Howard of MO, Judy Velazquez of Twin Lake; grandchildren, Aireal, Branden, Britteny, Brian, Laura, Timothy, Jr., Monica, Michael, Jr., Juan; great grandchildren, Jade, Ava, Hailey, Gaebriel, Alayna, Lyla, Elora, Aiden, Cesar, Jackie, Jocelyn; sister-in-law, Ruth Kaiser of North Muskegon & her children, Jack, Todd, Carmel. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jack Kaiser. Services will be held on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, 11:00 a.m. at Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Visit with Barbaras family and friends on Sunday, 6-8 p.m. and Monday, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials can be made to Mercy VNS Hospice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.