Barbara (Greenhoe) Leavitt

On July 31, 2025, the sun finally set over the yardarm for Barbara Ann Greenhoe Leavitt; calling to an end the life of a quick-witted, open-minded, and intellectually curious woman who made the most of her 99 years on earth.

Born on May 27, 1926, in Lansing, Michigan, she carried many titles over the course of a century. Daughter to Letha Mae and Homer Sylvester; younger sister to Joe Arthur—whom she adored greatly. Spartan and Sorority Sister: Barbara graduated from Michigan State College in 1948 where she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta. Throughout her 79 years as a proud AΞΔ, she served as an advisor for the MSU chapter, the state of Michigan, and at the national level. Wife to Bruce Harold; mother to Scott Andrew and Jane Elizabeth; grandmother to Keely Elizabeth and Kyle Leavitt. Registered nurse: In 1971 at the age of 45, Barbara followed her true calling and obtained her nursing degree from Lansing Community College. She spent 19 years as an ICU/CCU nurse at Ingham Medical Hospital; followed by working in private practice with Dr. Fortino and Dr. Fugazy; then ended her career as a triage nurse at the Oldsmobile division of Buick Olds Cadillac. Outdoors enthusiast: A skier and sailor, she spent many happy hours in her sailboat and shared her love of the activity as a sailing instructor at Girl Scouts of America and Cystic Fibrosis girls’ camps. She even rode a jet-ski at the age of 93. Storyteller: A member of the Lansing Women’s Club since 1979, the papers she wrote and presented involved extensive research, humor, and the tongue-in-cheek wit she was well known for. She was often asked, and paid, to present these papers for other area groups and organizations. She also served as a volunteer docent at the Michigan Historical Museum. Performer: During her formative years, Barbara was heavily involved with producing, directing, and acting in church programs and at the former BoarsHead Theatre. In the 1960s, she and Bruce took up square dancing through the Forest View School-based Friendly Club, performing around the Lansing area—matching costumes and all. Traveler: Barbara enjoyed visiting countries such as Ireland and New Zealand but was never happier than when she was with family at her beloved cottage on Houghton Lake. She leaves behind a legacy of a life full of love, laughter, and adventure.

Surviving are her children, Scott (Paula Lamont) Leavitt and Jane Leavitt Anderson; son-in-law, Steve Anderson; grandchildren, Keely E. Knopp of Asheville, North Carolina, and Kyle L. (Lauren) Knopp of East Haven, Connecticut; and lifelong friend, Mary Jane “Janie” Wilson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Harold Leavitt; brother, Joe Arthur Greenhoe; and sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Betty” Garfield.

A memorial visitation will be held at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, on Friday, August 8, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society. Online condolences may be left for her family at www.EstesLeadley.com.

“Do not stand at my grave and weep

I am not there

I do not sleep

I am a thousand winds that blow

I am the diamond glints on snow

I am the sunlight on ripened grain

I am the gentle autumn rain

When you awaken in the morning’s hush

I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds

in circled flight

I am the soft stars that shine at night

Do not stand at my grave and cry

I am not there

I did not die”