Barbara Ann Trierweiler

April 26, 1936 - May 18, 2026 (age 90)

Barbara Ann Trierweiler, age 90, of Lansing, MI, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 18, 2026.

Barbara was born on April 26, 1936, in Escanaba, MI, the daughter of Michael Degnan and Elizabeth Jane (Clark) Degnan. The family moved to Lansing, MI, where she was raised with her three sisters and two brothers. Barbara attended Resurrection High School in Lansing, MI, then Siena Heights College, before obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. She was awarded a master’s degree in library science from Western Michigan University. She had a passion for photography and, later in life, she earned a degree in photography at Lansing Community College. Barbara worked as a librarian, first at Sheridan Road School, then at Lansing Catholic Central. Finally, she worked for Michigan State University in the department of Botany and Plant Pathology for fifteen years.

While enjoying a strong and varied education and career, the twin pillars in Barbara’s life were Faith and Family.

Barbara has been a parishioner of St. Gerard’s Parish for over 60 years. She was very involved in all aspects of Parish life. Liturgically, over her years, she has attended daily Mass, participated in bible studies, and was a long-term member of the Women’s Honor Guard. Through the Parish, she was in the bridge club, on a bowling team, a Cub Scout den leader, supported her husband’s role as Cub Scout pack leader, and was a member of the Moving On Club. Barbara was also a member of the Pax Christi Organization, attending events across the country.

Just as strong as her faith was Barbara’s lifelong commitment and focus on her family. She still lived in the home where she raised her three children for over 60 years, sharing her thirst for learning and knowledge, playful humor and dry wit, and competitive and indomitable spirit. Family get-togethers focused on fun and enthusiastic Trivial Pursuit and card games. Barbara cherished her children and her long discussions with them about current events, TV shows, books, movies, and travel. She also passed down her sweet tooth through her many cakes, pies, cookies, and a variety of candy. She glowed when spending time with her grandchildren, with whom she was heavily involved. It gave her great joy to hear about the achievements of her children and grandchildren. Barbara remained close to her sisters and brothers and enjoyed gathering with them every two years for family reunions at Sandy Shores on Lake Michigan in Escanaba.

Barbara had a wide variety of interests she enjoyed. She was an avid reader and still took part in two book clubs. She loved to travel and traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad. Barb loved music and attended many concerts. She was a long-time Wharton Center Broadway Series patron. She was an ardent stamp collector and loved puzzles. Barb was an avid photographer and loved watching films and numerous TV series. Barb was passionate about her beloved Detroit Red Wings and enjoyed watching them on TV and in person. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society.

Preceding Barbara in death are her parents, Michael and Elizabeth Jane Degnan, brothers Thomas and Francis Degnan, granddaughter Mary Elizabeth Franklin, and her former husband and father of their children, Charles Matthew Trierweiler.

Surviving Barbara are her sisters, Catherine (Richard) Morris-Nelson, Margaret (Richard) Locke, and Patricia Degnan; children, Charles Stephen (Gina) Trierweiler, Theresa Marie (Michael) Carella, and John Karl (Odessa) Trierweiler; grandchildren, Isabella (Pratik) Trierweiler, Anja Trierweiler, Catherine (Saif) Shaman, Emily Franklin, Kevin Trierweiler, and Stephanie Trierweiler.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Jon Bokuniewicz at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 22, 2026, at St. Gerard Catholic Church, Lansing, MI. The Rite of Committal will follow the Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. A visitation, also at St. Gerard, will precede the Mass at 9:30 am. Online condolences may be shared below for the family. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, St. Gerard Church, or the Mid-Michigan Cat Rescue.

Services

VISITATION

Friday, May 22, 2026, 9:30 AM St. Gerard Catholic Church, 4437 Willow St., Lansing, MI 4887

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL

Friday, May 22, 2026, 10:30 AM at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 4437 W. Willow St., Lansing, MI 48917.

Livestream is available for those who cannot attend in person through the link below.

https://stgerard.org/funeral-livestream

RITE OF COMMITTAL

Friday, May 22, 2026, 11:45 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery 2520 W. Willow St., Lansing, MI 48917

RECEPTION

Luncheon following the Rite of Committal at St. Gerard’s Church, 4437 W. Willow St., Lansing, MI 48917