Barbara Zanger

Gentle, empathetic, talented, and intelligent are just a few of the words that describe Barbara Zanger. Life was not always easy for her, but she faced whatever came her way with both strength and courage while holding her loved ones close to her heart.

The year 1945 is often remembered as the year World War II came to an end. It was also the year that James S. and Hazel (Dakin) Lees were blessed with the birth of Barbara Elaine on October 25 in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The youngest of four children, she joined her older siblings, James and Joyce, and her sister, Beverly, sadly died at one year of age. As a family, the Lee’s attended the Methodist church near their home while Barbara attended the local schools. During her youth she loved to roller dance. Having lived on the family farm, collecting eggs from the chickens and milking the cows was a usual part of her daily chores.

After graduating from high school in 1962, Barb attended Rhode Island Hospital School of Nursing, earning her RN degree. She worked as an RN at Grand Rapids Osteopathic Hospital, Butterworth Hospital, and later as a nurse at Steelcase in Grand Rapids. While in the nursing program, Barb met Raymond Sanford who was in the U.S. Army, and she could hardly resist a man in uniform. They soon began dating, and after several years they married in February of 1966. The couple moved to Rockford, Michigan where they lived for four years until building a new home in Jenison, Michigan. Following eight years of marriage, Barb and Ray divorced.

As a single mother in the 1970s, Barb cherished her three children, Raymond Jr. and twin girls, Jennifer and Jodi. Together they camped in their travel trailer throughout Michigan. They also went to Massachusetts to visit Barb’s mother every summer. The family cottage on Big Pine Island Lake was also a favorite summer destination.

Barb was a very talented woman. She learned the art of macramé and became very good at it. She even held classes to teach others the craft. She later took oil painting classes, and then framing classes to make her own picture frames for her art work. She enjoyed cross stitching, as well. Through her own talents, Barb inspired others to explore their talented sides, too. Barb loved reading murder mysteries and crime novels, especially by Patricia Cornwell, her favorite author. She loved listening to the music of Zamfir on the pan flute as well as classical music. Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune were her favorite TV shows every evening.

Life was forever changed for Barb when she met Garlin Zanger at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in 1992. They fell in love, and were married two years later. Together they were an inspiration and helped countless others in the AA Fellowship, with deep gratitude.

In 1993, Barb and Gar bought Wild Birds in Grand Rapids, a store for bird lovers. They later expanded, adding a coffee café and collectables. They changed the name to Wild Birds General Store, which they ran for ten years. Barb and Gar were very active socially and were always on the go. They loved going out to dinner with family and friends, and Gar seemed to have a knack for finding the most quaint little eateries wherever they went. Barb’s adventurous side was always up for trying something new. Together they enjoyed heading to Grand Haven to walk along the boardwalk and watch the boats go by.

Barbara and Gar also loved traveling. Over the years they took fun-filled trips to Mexico, excursions out east, adventures in the mountains, cruises, and they often went to Texas to visit family. With an appreciation for the arts and culture, they were faithful supporters of the Frederick Meijer Gardens. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and never missed their birthdays or special events. With her love for cats, their home always had several of these treasured companions.

A truly loving couple, Barb cared for Gar as he battled cancer. When the time came, Gar cared for Barb as they began her battle with Parkinson's together. They found a new home at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes, which was a great fit. Barb’s beloved husband and companion passed away at her side unexpectedly on April 15, 2014. Barb continued her battle with Parkinson's, despite her grief, with the support of family and friends. She remained active in AA and began a routine walk to visit a tree planted in memory of her beloved Gar. The Parkinson’s slowed her steps unless she was headed for that tree when her heart took over and she raced to feel the comfort of being near to Gar. She enjoyed and even counted on her regular dates with her best friend, Anne She found comfort in just being with her whether they were shopping, seeing a movie, or just having lunch.

Barb lived what she believed, and believed what she lived. She was a living example of how to walk through any struggle with grace, faith and hope. Her final weeks gave her time to say her goodbyes. Dedicated, loyal, honest, hardworking, and talented, Barbara Zanger was a blessing to everyone she met. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who will be forever missed.

Barbara E. Zanger, aged 69, of Grand Rapids, peacefully passed away in her sleep on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes. She was preceded in death by her sister, Beverly Lees and her husband of 21 years, Garlin Zanger. She is survived by her children, Raymond Sanford Jr., Jennifer Sanford and Jodi and James Miller; her grandchildren, Lacey Sanford, Moly and Christopher Allen, James Miller Jr., Ivy Miller, Thomas Miller, Victoria Sanford, Jessee Fortin, Alec Huitema; great grandchildren, Kaylee Allen and Evhin DeJong; her brother, James Lees and her sister Joyce Lauze; many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her three cats, Missy, Lia and Sylvia. Cremation has taken place. A service to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, March 13, 2015, 1:00 PM at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes Chapel, 2510 Lake Michigan Dr. NW where friends may meet her family from 12:00 noon until the service begins. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in her memory to the Alano Club North or to the Parkinson’s Association of West Michigan. To sign her online guest book and to leave your own memory of Barb, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.