Barbara Knopsnider

Barbara was the glue that held her family together, the kind of person who made you feel like you’d known her forever—even if you just met.

She was the loving wife of Dale Knopsnider and proud mother of Jason (Erin), Sara, and Matthew (Allison). Barbara’s pride and joy were her two grandsons, Asher and Felix, who were the light of her life.

A devoted sister to Joe Abraham, Joanne Ilitch, the late Diane Abraham, and Freddy Abraham. Barbara was a cherished Aunt to many nieces and nephews, and a treasured friend, second mom, and confidante to many who knew her.

Barbara was a woman of tradition—but when it came to asking her husband, Dale, to marry her, she threw the rulebook out the window. She literally proposed to him. Yup, you read that right. It’s just one of the many ways she lived life on her own terms, embracing the unexpected and proving that she was the one who set the pace for everything.

Her greatest joy was her family, particularly her children and grandchildren, who were her constant source of pride. If you ever had the pleasure of being around her, you could bet your bottom dollar she would talk about them, endlessly. She was always ready to share a story or two.

In her world, there was no such thing as too many gatherings, too many friends, or too much joy. She lived for family parties and holidays—particularly her birthday, which, of course, fell on Halloween, giving her the perfect excuse to throw a celebration that combined costumes and cake.

Barbara’s home was always open, not just to her family, but to anyone who needed a safe place. It was a hub of warmth, laughter, and never-ending love. If you were lucky enough to walk through her door, you were treated like family, no exceptions. It didn’t matter if you were an old friend or a new acquaintance—if you needed a place to stay or just a listening ear, Barbara was there. Many of her children’s friends, when life at home wasn’t easy, found solace at Barbara’s kitchen table and couch.

She was the kind of woman who believed in offering more than a roof over your head. She gave you a place where you were heard, fed, and accepted—no questions asked. There was always room for one more.

Barbara loved to cook and bake—whether it was homemade meat pies, grape leaves, or birthday cakes. If you were brave enough to accept her offer of a home-cooked meal, she’d make sure you left with your belly full and your heart just as nourished. And if you had any doubts about where you stood in her life, all you had to do was walk through the door—because anyone who entered her home was family.

Barbara’s love extended beyond just family and friends. For years, she made a profound impact on her community. She worked as a para-pro at several schools including Emerson, Frost, and Garfield, where she dedicated herself to helping children thrive.

She was also an active member of the Franklin Marching Band Boosters for 11 years, a theater mom, a swim team mom, and a softball mom, constantly supporting her children in their extracurricular activities. She kept herself busy with many hobbies, which included playing pinochle with the same group of women for over 30 years. She was also a member of a quilting group that spanned decades.

Barbara’s legacy is one of kindness, generosity, and boundless love. She understood that being truly selfless wasn’t just about grand gestures or volunteering—but also about creating spaces where people felt safe and loved. She listened without judgment and gave without hesitation.

She lived to make others feel seen and heard, offering comfort, security, a warm meal, or simply a place to stay when needed. And, of course, she’d insist on knowing your life story, just to see if she knew one of your relatives—or how she was connected to you.

In every corner of her life, Barbara showed us that love is the greatest gift we can give, and it’s the one she gave most freely.

She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the countless lives she touched. Her home, her heart, and her unmatched generosity have left an indelible mark on all of us.

May she rest in peace.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 2, from 2:00-8:00pm at Harry J Will Funeral Home, located at 37000 Six Mile, Livonia, MI 48152.

Friends and family will gather to celebrate Barbara’s life at St. Colette Church on Monday, February 3, located at 17600 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI 48152. Visitation will begin at 10:30 am, followed by mass at 11:00 am, with a luncheon in the church hall immediately afterward.

For those traveling from out of town, nearby accommodations include Courtyard Detroit Livonia, Tru by Hilton, and Hyatt Place Detroit/Livonia, all located within a short distance of the funeral home. Below are the addresses along with links to their websites for your convenience.

Courtyard Detroit Livonia, 17200 N Laurel Park Drive, Livonia, Michigan 48152 USA

https://www.marriott.com/reservation/rateListMenu.mi?dclid=CJ2rlNe0m4sDFRL4GAIdnmsPIA&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwOe8BhCCARIsAGKeD551a1c-p7WQV_f5dngg4Vgv-XhCy1iLp_KZYEZzgT8fOJ8r-GsH7SgaAkS5EALw_wcB

Tru by Hilton Novi Detroit, 40255 West 13 Mile, Novi, Michigan 48377 USA

https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=DTWNERU&arrivalDate=2025-02-03&departureDate=2025-0204&room1NumAdults=2&inputModule=HOTEL_SEARCH&viewPackagesAndPromotionsRate=true&WT.mc_id=zLADA0US1RU2OLX3GGL4ADVSP5LF6_DTWNERU7_281530522_&adType=PD&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwOe8BhCCARIsAGKeD54DGo2mews7FdfAS3KlW8DiSFKkJv-KSG0u3NdDv8_oa7r66shXVd0aArYyEALw_wcB&dsclid=67634139391868928&dclid=CjkKEQiAwOe8BhCIi_WmssKJncYBEiQA2cEvxPnCLuMD6Mcv5QjTKUnKUdISFA4X-mR7FeAD-yvtIQnw_wcB&hmGUID=73f18736-c450-46bb-9de9-77c065053583

Hyatt Place Detroit/Livonia, 19300 Haggerty Road Livonia, Michigan, 48152 United States

https://www.hyatt.com/shop/rooms/DETZL?rooms=1&adults=2&checkinDate=2025-02-03&checkoutDate=2025-02-04&kids=0¤cy=USD&src=google_paidmeta_DETZL_localuniversal_1_US_desktop_2025-02-03_default_11758954976__standard_sponsored&gad_source=0&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwOe8BhCCARIsAGKeD57FlLb8gyreG0TZwae9TQ1shqMaj6uAbXa-uIsF6fZUTxgVgo97t8waAp3mEALw_wcB&hmGUID=73f18736-c450-46bb-9de9-77c065053583