Barbara Ann Walters

Barbara Ann Walters passed peacefully on June 23, 2025 at age 89. She was born in Royal Oak, Michigan, on October 9, 1935 to Olson James and Thelma Elizabeth Lilian Roberts Walters. Her parents; sister, Betty (John) Hammersley; and brother, Robert (Ruth) Walters preceded her in death.

She graduated from Utica High School in 1953. Twenty-four years and five children later, she received her Associate degree in Nursing from Oakland Community College in 1977 at the age of 41. A Bachelor's degree was obtained in 1980 at EMU. She retired from St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in 2004 where she worked in the NICU. She considered it a privilege to be present at the miracle and joy of birth.

She took the Master Gardeners class in 1996 and always had a flower garden wherever she lived (Rochester, Ann Arbor, South Lyon, East Lansing). She was an enthusiastic and adventurous traveler enjoying our and other countries' heritages and cultures. Special trips include Vietnam (with a friend to help bring home an adopted daughter), a two-month-long trip to California and back alone in her motorhome, and a five-week drive to Alaska from Ann Arbor at age 76 with an 80-year-old woman friend.

She found friends in several groups that enriched her life through educational and social activities. They include the Ann Arbor Garden Club, The Hartland Senior Center, VIVA (Ann Arbor), OLLI at U of M, and the Hannah Center in East Lansing. She enjoyed cooking and baking, providing many casseroles and desserts (especially cookies) at their functions. She was pleased when the "kids" gave her new golf clubs instead of a rocking chair for her 70th birthday. Reading, jigsaw puzzles, cards and games, and making family albums were favorite pastimes. Sewing special occasion outfits (think weddings, Christmas nighties) costumes, and doll clothes were made with love.

While living in Ann Arbor, she was able to enjoy concerts, musicals, and plays as a volunteer at many venues. She treasured yearly trips to The Stratford Festival in Canada and the Purple Rose Theater close to home.

Her greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her five children and their very special spouses: Kathy Roberts (Kalamazoo), Joe (Marti) Seaman (Lapeer), Jill Seaman and David Torgoff (East Lansing), Scott (Linda) Seaman (Lapeer), and Marty (Karen) Seaman (Grand Blanc). She is also survived by thirteen adored grandchildren: Eric, Jason, and Jessica (Kathy); Jeremy, Danni, and Spencer (Joe and Marti); Ari and Alex (Jill and David); Karen, Sage, and Leah (Scott and Linda); and Kai and Conner (Marty and Karen; seventeen adorable great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A visitation for Barb will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes East Chapel, 1730 E Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823. A second visitation will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with the eulogy to follow at 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Following the services, there will be a celebration of life party at Brookshire Inn & Golf Club, 205 W Church St., Williamston, MI 48895.

Mom moved to East Lansing in Spring 2021 and made new special friends at Abbot Parkside Apartments and the Hannah Community Center. She played cards, gardened, read and shared many meals and much laughter with these friends. Mom entered home Hospice in November and began residing at Eaton Community Palliative Care in early March. In the time she was there, she enjoyed almost daily visits from family members and friends. She enjoyed watching spring and then summer arrive on the beautiful grounds and enjoyed outdoor walks in her wheelchair with visitors. She especially enjoyed sharing the feeding of the turtles with others, especially the children.

The family wishes to express how appreciative they are of all the staff at Eaton Community Palliative Care. They took great care of Barb and were so kind, caring, and supportive of her and her family.

Memorial contributions in honor of Barb may be made to OLLI at University of Michigan; Hartland Senior Center; Eaton Community Palliative Care; or to a cause you care about.