Barbara Jane McLean Hacker

Age 78, of Lansing, MI, passed away peacefully at home with her family on November 3, 2013.  She was born in Lansing, MI on April 9, 1935 to Edwin and Verona (Oakes) McLean.

Barb graduated from J. W. Sexton High School and Michigan State University, and taught school in Marshall and Lansing.  She was an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lansing and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Bonita Springs, FL.  A member of the Junior League of Lansing, League Club of Naples, St. Lawrence Hospital Auxiliary, the Country Club of Lansing, and the Pelican’s Nest Golf Club in Bonita Springs, and various other community organizations.  Barbara enjoyed the sunsets on Lake Michigan and watching her grandchildren playing on the beach.  She enjoyed playing bridge, and thanks her friends for their patience.  She also loved her book club, golf, concerts and her friends, old and new.

She was the loving wife of Richard of 56 years; loving mother of Pamela (Russell) Austin of Dublin, OH, Catherine (Joseph) Phoenix of Wellesley, MA, Tonya (Benjamin) Kennedy of Cincinnati, OH; loving grandmother of Margaret and Mackenzie Austin, Maxine and Thomas Phoenix, Georgia and Piper Kennedy.  Also surviving are brother and sister-in-law Edwin and Linda McLean of Grand Rapids, MI, and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Roger McLean.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, November 23, 2013 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 218 W. Ottawa, Lansing, with The Rev. Karen C. Lewis officiating, assisted by the Rev. Carol Spangenberg.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Bonita Springs, or Sparrow Hospice, c/o the Sparrow Foundation.  Arrangements by Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.

Print Obituary

6 Messages to “Barbara Jane McLean Hacker

Print Messages
Mrs. Charles Reifsnyder
November 4, 2013 at 7:37 pm

Dear Dick: While I never had the pleasure of meeting your wife, I can tell by the words written in her Obituary she was a loving and full of life woman!

Please know I have thinking of you and your beautiful family — no doubt the angels will be there to greet such a wonderful lady.

Mrs. Chuck (Em) Reifsnyder

Reply
Peggy Thodis
November 4, 2013 at 9:05 pm

I knew Barb best most recently and was so impressed by her warm and cheerful heart in spite of her difficult times. I now hold you in my heart for you know I also suffered a great loss. What wonderful memories you have that will assure that the sun will shine once again some time for you to continue many days on God’s good earth……

Reply
Paul and Linda(Fishbeck)Thompson
November 6, 2013 at 12:57 pm

We learned yesterday that Barb’s long battle with cancer was over, and we are saddened to know of your family’s grief, but also celebrate the life of an old friend. Both of us have memories of growing up in the same neighborhood as Barb. Paul even has a picture of Barb and him in a tub full of water on a warm summer day. They both were toddlers then, and were next door neighbors. My memories begin at Main Street School, and continue through the years. Barb and I were teenagers as we spent summers at Morrison Lake. It has been nice to stay connected through Sexton class reunions. We send our love and sympathy to Dick and the family at this difficult time

Reply
Anonymous
November 6, 2013 at 5:57 pm

Dick and Girls,
We loved your Sweetheart and Mom and have so many happy, happy
memories of time spent with her here in East Lansing, Mackinac Island and Little Point Sable. She handled her challenge with the greatest dignity and grace. We will miss her dearly. Our prayers will be with you and we send love your way.

Don and Jan Hines

Reply
ChucK & Jean Wallin
November 9, 2013 at 10:01 am

Dick Jean and & I were sorry to hear about Barb. It is sad to see friends from the old neighborhood lose a spouse and loved one. We have great memories growing up on the old west side and it was great to reconnect at the Sexton breakfast the other day. Gods Blessings on you and you family.
Jean & Chuck Wallin

Reply
Colleen Cooney Fiehrer
November 16, 2013 at 3:42 pm

Dearest Friend, Barb is in God’s hands, We will always cherish our memories of the “good times” together. And know, you and yours are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Colleen and Ron

Reply

Please Sign The Guestbook

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *