Barbara A. Sukenik

Sukenik, Barbara Brisse of Okemos, Michigan passed away peacefully with her loving sister, Sue and several close friends by her side on November 17, 2016 at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. Barb was born in Brooklyn, New York and was the eldest daughter of the late Gerard and Thelma Brisse. She spent her formative years in Livonia, MI and graduated from Ladywood High School and then earned both her Bachelor and Masters Degree in education at Michigan State University where she also met the love of her life, Thomas Sukenik. They enjoyed 48 wonderful years together, prior to Tom’s death in 2015. Barb began her teaching career at St. Gerard’s grade school in Lansing and was then hired by the Lansing Public Schools and worked at Valley Farm Elementary School. She was a reading specialist for several years and continued her passion for teaching children by tutoring at the Erickson Learning Center and at home. Barb was very active in the community where she was past president and treasurer of the Junior League of Lansing and she worked very hard on their Endowment fund. Her passion for art led her to become a docent at the Kresge Art Museum and at the Broad. She was also a board member of the Wharton Center inner circle and a member of the Sparrow Hospital Guild. Barb participated in three book clubs and bridge group. Her special interests were art, ballet, golf at the Country Club of Lansing, theater and MSU football and basketball. Her family and friends had a very special place in her heart. She and Tom enjoyed extensive traveling especially to France and she loved all things French… its language, fashion, art, architecture and museums. She also felt a special attraction to beaches including Naples, FL and the Michigan shoreline. Barb greatly enjoyed her pets, especially her newly adopted cat, Cosette. Barb’s younger brother James Brisse preceded her in death as did her nephew Michael and his wife, Jackie Ryan. She is survived by her sister, Susan (Roger) Wobig and her great nephew Nicholas Ryan. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Bob (Luanne) Sukenik and John (Holly) Sukenik and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Barb will always be remembered for her kindness, graciousness, generosity, happy smile, her total love of life and spending quality time with her many, many friends. She was a romantic at heart and a true lady. Mass of Christian Burial will be held, 11 a.m., on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at St. John Church & Student Center, 327 MAC Ave., East Lansing. The family will receive friends Friday, December 9, 2016 from 5 to 8 pm at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Junior League of Lansing Endowment Fund, 1231 E. Michigan Ave., Suite 204, East Lansing, MI 48823 or Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, 1210 W. Saginaw, Lansing, MI 48915 in memory of Barb. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.greastlansing.com.