She graduated from Lansing Eastern High School and received an associate’s degree from Lansing Community College. Barbara was a talented singer and actor who participated in many local theater productions. Her beautiful singing voice gave her the opportunity to perform with the Lansing Community College Japan Adventure Program. She worked alongside her family at Paul’s Pastry Shop, the family business, until 1989, when her parents retired. In recent years, she and her sister, Ann, were partners in a pet care business. In 1996, she married Roberto Esquivel.
She is survived by her husband, Roberto Esquivel; their daughter, Natalia Esquivel-Nieratko; her grandson, Roberto Antonio; her grandson’s father, Marco Guerra; sister, Frances Ann Nieratko; brother, Paul Nieratko; niece, Katie Lynwood; and many well-loved nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Edna, as well as other beloved family members. Her legacy is one of unyielding compassion and kindness as she nurtured those around her with her effortless charm and keen eye for seeing the good in everyone. Barbara enjoyed music, traveling with her family, and taking an active role in both her daughter’s and grandson’s lives. She will be greatly missed by those who benefited from what she wanted most— to love and to be loved.
The family will be holding a memorial gathering on Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 900 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan 48912.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Greater Lansing Food Bank or The Fledge.
