Barbara Lou Brancato

Barbara Lou (Gordinier) Brancato, of White Lake Township, Michigan, formerly of Farmington Hills, loving wife and aunt, passed away peacefully in her residence at Neighborhoods of White Lake, November 30, 2023. Born at her family Detroit home, July 7, 1925, the 1st daughter of Jay & Gladys (Evans) Gordinier, at age 98, she was the last of the Gordinier's branch of "the Greatest Generation".

Barbara graduated from Taylor University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics followed by a Masters in Liberal Arts from Wayne State University. She began her career with General Electric testing and reviewing home appliances, and then went on as a Home Economics Educator at Stevenson High School in Livonia for many years. She ended her career at the Hawthorn Center (the same facility George was employed as a social worker) instructing life management skills to adolescents. Barb took enormous pride and fulfilling satisfaction in all her years working with young people.

Barb is survived by George, her loving husband of 68 years. They became acquainted through the young adult group at her family church, Parkway Heights Free Methodist - where they eventually married, and subsequently continued being active members for over 50 years. Their love and devotion for each other was evident and carried them through many good years, as well as dark times, mixed with much hope and happiness. They loved and looked after each other, with their faith and commitment to God bringing them comfort and strength throughout their lives.

Family was especially important to Barb and she looked forward to get-togethers, outings and visits during the holidays and any special occasion. In addition to many visits to far-flung family over the years, she and George enjoyed many wonderful trips throughout the United States, both as a couple, but also with family members as well as close friends from church. In their middle years, with no children of their own, she helped create a home that warmly welcomed a grateful teenage niece for several years, providing a place of peace, security and acceptance - a close and loving relationship lasting a lifetime.

Barbara balanced her quiet faith with her own formula of impatience and high standards! She was always engaged with something and the most organized person around. True to her "home economics" background and a bit of a perfectionist, she was meticulous about every aspect of their home, any project she'd take on, was a wonderful cook and beautiful seamstress. She was a woman of dedication with steady stamina that just seemed to keep going until her final months!

Though small in stature, she was fiercely loyal, completely devoted - and rarely without an opinion. At the same time, her kindness and tender thoughtfulness was never-ending. Barb was blessed with wisdom and managed that fine balance of being an encourager while also able to offer a suggestion or different perspective, taking care to know, earnestly listen to and support others.

Her faith and commitment to God was her foundation that brought comfort and strength throughout her life. One of her greatest desires and hopes was to have all her family members know an individual relationship with their Heavenly Father and one day be joined together with Him in an eternity with God in Heaven.

Barbara is survived by her devoted husband, George, many nephews and nieces - Jay Jr. Gordinier (Karen), Jeff Gordinier (Linda), Joel Gordinier (Kim), Jill Weakland (Roger), Janet Wellborn (Carl), Terry Gordinier (Terri), Cindy Mattes (Shaun), Sandy (Dave) Davies, Greg Taylor (Bonnie), Scott Taylor (Sherri), Wesley Taylor (Gladys), Lesley Johnson (Chris), Mike Welby, Dian Welby, Jeri Lee Papazian (Jerry), and dear friend Kim S'Freddo.

She was predeceased by her parents, brothers Jay, Jule and Jerry Gordinier, and sister Dorothy Taylor.

Barb viewed the world with a calm, steady gaze through sky blue eyes that will be missed. Her absence will be deeply felt in the days to come, but we rejoice in the promise of Scripture that this parting is only temporary.