Barbara Ann Kulish

Barbara A. Kulish, age 54, of Troy, MI and formerly of Minden City, passed away on July, 17, 2013, at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI, while under hospice care. Barbara was born on May 4, 1959, in Bad Axe, Michigan. She was the daughter of the late Clement and Malina (Duda) Kulish. “Babsie” was an early participant in the Federally-Funded Special Education Program. Besides attending Ubly Public Schools, she also attended Our Lady of Providence School and then graduated from Sandusky High School, Special Education Program, in 1985. As part of her nature, she was a committee of one pushing for “inclusivity” of marginalized people years before it was mandated by law. She was employed by SANCO Industries and later by Jewish Vocational Services. Many things with an edge of excitement sparked Barb’s interest: rides in convertibles, boats, motorcycles. She enjoyed bowling, swimming, diving, travel and listening to music. Spending the Christmas holidays and birthdays with her family brought her joy. Her beautiful blue eyes, and open heart were her gifts to those who knew her. As a Special Olympics participant on the local and state levels, Barb held many awards in competitive events. She is survived by sisters, Carol and Mary Kulish and Jean (Michael) Maikrzek, Troy; brothers, John (Joyce) Kulish, Rochester, Donald (Deborah) Kulish, Shelby Twp., Clement (Cecilia) Kulish, Phoenix, AZ; nieces, and nephews, Jennifer (Michael) Jarvis, Dr. John (Dr. Jennifer) Kulish, Bradley (Maggie) Kulish, Christopher Kulish, Justin (Rachel) Maikrzek, David Kulish, Charles Kulish, and Laura (Matthew) Greb; great-nieces and nephews, Sophia Kulish, Kate Kulish, Caden Kulish, Stephen and Andy Jarvis, Scarlett Greb; aunt, Irene Duda, Harbor Beach; former foster mother, Carmen Lopez, Snover, and many special cousins and friends. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Clement and Malina (Duda) Kulish. Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 am, Monday, July 22, 2013 at St. Isadore Parish, St. Mary Church in Parisville. Rev. Todd Arnberg, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the Smigielski Funeral Home on Cass Ave in Minden City on Sunday from 3:00-9:00 pm and Monday from 10:00-11:00 am at St. Mary Church only. Barbara was very proud of being an award winner at many local and state Special Olympic events. Please honor her with memorials to Special Olympics Michigan, P.O. BOX 795, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804.