Barbara Jean Blodgett

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Barbara Jean Blodgett, 85, of Wakefield, passed away peacefully Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, at her home, with her family at her side.

Barbara was born on June 13, 1938, in Sault Ste. Marie. She attended the Wakefield schools and graduated with the class of 1956. On Nov. 28, 1958, she was united in marriage to William Henry Blodgett in Wakefield. William and Barbara moved to various places while William was employed with the forest service. Barbara then moved to Wakefield in 1972, after the death of her husband to be closer to family and friends to help raise her children.

Barbara started her career off as an AT&T switchboard operator. Many years later, she retired from the Wakefield school system where she held various positions. She loved working with children and enjoyed her time there. Barbara mostly enjoyed being home with her children teaching them many different skills from baking, pasty making, gardening, canning and many other traits she knew. She also enjoyed the many summer days spent at her son, Tony's place on Lake Gogebic, where numerous parties were held including the Fourth of July family get-togethers. Family was important to her, and she would do anything for any one of them.

Barbara is survived by her eight children, Michael (Dawn), Teresa (Michael) Pelletier, Anthony, Jean, Joseph (Kevin), Brian, Catherine (Thomas) Boeve and William; a brother, Raymond (JoAnne) Monti; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and many, many friends. Also surviving are her special cousins, Pete and Donna Marie Erickson; a special niece, Brittany Sordahl; and special friends, Robin Krueger and Kim Anderson.

Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her parents, Raymond and Mary Monti; a sister, Mary Jo (William) McGinn; a brother, George (Diane) Monti; and a niece, Debra McGinn.

Barbara participated in many organizations throughout the years including the Immaculate Conception Church, Wakefield High School Booster Club, Wakefield Fourth of July Committee, Wakefield Chamber of Commerce and was very active in many different bowling leagues and was the league secretary for the Mixed Couple League for numerous years. One thing Barbara looked forward to was going to the bakery for her morning coffee and visiting with all of her special bakery friends. Mom enjoyed her game shows. We all knew when it was time for Jeopardy and the Wheel of Fortune. She loved socializing and was not afraid to start a conversation. If she didn't know you before, she certainly would know you after.

Barbara's family would like to thank the Regional Hospice staff, especially Cassie and Carrie, who took such good care of our mother. Thank you to Randall Bakery (Ricky) for all the bakery, special treats and friendship. Also, a special thank you to her niece, Carol Paynter, for all the help and support she gave throughout the years.

Mom, you are going to be dearly missed more than anything. Thank you for taking such special care of all of us and instilling all your special traits unto us. We appreciate everything you have done for each and every one of us and please know that we love you always and forever. Rest in peace and please say hi to dad for all of us. Until we meet again. Love, Your children.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, Jan. 12, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 407 Ascherman St., in Wakefield, with the Rev. Dominic Agyapong, celebrant. Also, in attendance will be the Immaculate Conception Women's Guild Honor Guard.

A luncheon will be served in the parish hall immediately following the Mass.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at the Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield, in the spring.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.