May 3, 1931 – December 19, 2022
Barbara A. Forsberg, 91, and longtime Marquette resident passed away on Monday, December 19, 2022, in Lansing while in the loving presence of her children. Barbara was born in Munising on May 3, 1931, as the daughter of Beatrice (Beaudette) and David Golenda. She graduated from Munising High School in 1949. While in Munising she worked as a switchboard operator for Kimberly Clark before meeting her husband Keith M. Forsberg. They married on July 3, 1952 in Pueblo, Colo. They raised their family in Marquette and attended Messiah Lutheran Church. Barbara attended Northern Michigan University. She was active in Marquette arts and crafts circles, as well as the Yarnwinders Fiber Guild. Barbara was a knitter and weaver. She enjoyed sharing her knowledge of the fiber arts with others. Barbara put on demonstrations to groups in spinning wool. Barbara knitted socks, mittens and hats, and she sold them at craft shows. She created rugs from her basement loom. Barbara collected antiques, refinished furniture and later went on to conduct estate sales. She played the piano. Barbara attended Northern Michigan University, as well as worked in various capacities in Marquette. She ran lights for a KISS concert and was also a floral designer. For several years Barbara worked at Marquette’s Michigan Fair gift shop where her talents were used to create store displays. Customers were helped by Barbara’s friendly, fun-loving and warm personality.
Barbara enjoyed being around family. She was fortunate to have travelled overseas to meet her relatives in Eastern Europe. Barbara was a great cook as well as a loving, nurturing wife, mother, friend and relative to all. Barbara is survived by her children, David Forsberg of Lansing and Allison (Tim) O’Neill of North Platte, Neb.; four grandchildren, Elise, Noah and Josh O’Neill and Amber Thompson; and four brothers, Eugene Golanda, Richard Golenda, and Leonard and Robert Beaudette. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and husband Keith. Barbara will be laid to rest at Marquette Park Cemetery. A gathering in her honor will be held in the spring in Marquette. Memorials may be made in Barbara’s name to the Northern Michigan University Foundation- Barbara A. Forsberg Art and Design Scholarship, 1401 Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855. Barbara’s online obituary may be viewed at the Palmer Bush and Jensen Family Funeral Homes Lansing Chapel website, where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance and view her Funeral Service at https://www.palmerbush.com/ obituary/barbara-forsberg.
