Barbara Marie Croke

Barbara M. Croke, age 45 of Clinton Township, died Friday, January 31, 2014 surrounded by her loved ones at home. She was born on January 5, 1969 in Detroit, daughter of Kathy (nee: Sokolowski) and the late Michael Wilkialis. Of all the things that had meaning to Barbara, nothing could match the love and care she held for her family,…and that family picture began to take form when she shared her wedding vows with James Steven Croke on September 8, 1990 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Detroit. That would begin a loving relationship that spanned over 23 years and held many wonderful moments of the joys and pleasures that enveloped their lives together,…the greatest of which were embodied in the two special gifts from God, her daughters Alexandra and Taylor whom she loved beyond measure.Aside from the most treasured hat she wore as Homemaker, Barbara worked outside of the house, as well, as an Office Manager in the automotive realm at two local car dealerships, Mt. Clemens Kia and Rinke Pontiac,…and she definitely knew her cars. When it came to her favorite car, nothing could beat the Chevrolet Camaro, a muscle car that never ceased to fill-the-bill for class and sport alike. And being the loving husband he was, James couldn't help but to make her dreams come true, recently, when he bought his bride the Camaro she had always wanted. When it came to her favorite pastimes, camping was high on her list of moments to share with family and friends,…and she was a part of many wonderful memories made in escaping the concrete jungle for a little serenity and quiet in the company of loved ones. Barbara was also known for having quite the sporty and adventuresome spirit, too. From the sporty side, she was an avid runner and noted for her participation in the Swampfoot Marathon. As for adventuresome, her life took an interesting swing when she decided to jump out of a perfectly good plane on her first skydiving experience,…another notch of the things she had always hoped to accomplish. Everyone who knew Barbara can attest to how sweet she was, but that character trait was never more enhanced than when she was inducing her body with her favorite sweet treat,...those timeless & tasty, "M&M's"...plain, of course! Of all the things that could bring a smile, soothe the soul, or simply make her feel like a kid again, those little "melt in your mouth, not in your hands" chocolate delights were just the perfect medicine for Barbara.Gone far too soon from our presence, Barbara leaves behind a host of life-lessons for us all to draw from,…the most powerful being how to love amidst the challenges we face. The love she shared was immeasurable and will forever be a guiding force with each reflection experienced. She will be missed immensely and loved eternally.Barbara was the beloved wife of James. Loving mother of Alexandra and Taylor. Dearest daughter of Kathy & Mike, and treasured daughter-in-law of Paul & Marilyn Croke. Cherished sister of Judy, Pam, and Kevin. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Visitation for Barbara will be held on Monday, February 3rd from 3-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. Visitation continues on Tuesday from 9:30am until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to the Croke Childrens Education Fund. Please share memories of Barbara at her memory book.