Barbara L. Saint Denis' Obituary
B
arbara L. Saint Denis, well-known local artist, passed away on February 27, 2019 surrounded by her family. Barbara was renowned world-wide for her bronze sculptures and for her innovative works with enamel and fused glass. Some of her works can be found in the collections of the Smithsonian Institute, The Corning Glass Museum, Museum of Contemporary Crafts in New York, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Michigan State University, and the personal collection of former governor George Milliken. Locally, her artwork can still be found at many businesses and churches including her most famous bronze statue at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, in Muskegon, titled "Mary, Mother of the Church". Barbara was also named Business Woman of the Year in 1978 and was named in the 1974-75 edition of Whos Who in American Women. In 2006, she was elected to Muskegon Community College Board of Trustees. Barbara, most importantly, enjoyed spending time with her family at her house in Lakeside, or up at the familys camper at Ranch Rudolf in Traverse City. Barbaras family will cherish a lifetime of stories (especially
The Witch Around the Moon
), travels, adventures, and love. Barbara was born on September 8, 1928 in Muskegon to the late Halley and Helen (Johnson) Dion. She married Don (Hoogenstyn) Saint Denis and he preceded her in death in 2011. Barbara is survived by her three children, Peggy (Dave) Scouten, Michele Hecksel-Golightly, and Richard (Karen) Saint Denis; 10 grandchildren, Jim (Errica) Witham, Kristen (Steve) Hendrickson, Tracie Samdal, Molly (Brian) Graves, Jason (Juli Johnson) Hecksel, Jaimee (Jacob Bright) Hecksel, Jeannie (Ryan) Hansard, Matt (Therese) Williams, Abel Williams and Kaycee ( Joe) Bylsma; 15 great-grandchildren, Mathew, Nikole, Seth, Danielle and Jessica Witham, Katie, Sarah and Ben Hendrickson, Fenna Hansen, Ella and Samantha Graves, Devon and Whitney Samdal, Emmerylyn and Evan Poelman, Elanna and soon-to-be-born Kruze Bylsma; siblings, Valerie Smrcina, Mary C. Jones, and Dan (Kay) Dion; her aunt, Therese LeMieux and numerous, nieces, nephews and cousins. Along with her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by five siblings, Joyce Weldon, Marva Mitchell, Diane Dion, Ron Dion, and Joey Dion, son-in-law Joe Hecksel and a grandson, Erik Williams. According to her wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life gathering will be held June 8th, at 1pm, at The Vikings in Lakeside. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Juvenile Diabetes Association, 4595 Broadmoor Ave. S.E. Suite 230, Kentwood, Michigan 49512
ARRANGEMENTS BY SHORELINE MEMORIAL SERVICES, MUSKEGON (231)-722-5050
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