Barbara Mattes

Proceeded in death by her parents, Alexander Francis Winter, Ruth (Jandreau) Winter, and granddaughter, Emily Ann Griffin.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 61 years, Wolfgang Moritz Mattes, her daughters, Erika (Mattes) Rebbe, Heidi (Jim) Mason, Brigitte (Kip) Cooper, and Inger (Matt) Griffin, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandson, sister Margaret Davey, nephews Gerry Laramie Alex Laramie and nieces is Dawn (Jim)Harrison and Taunya (David) Laforest.

Our mom was known to her friends and family as Bobby, Momma Bear, or Oma. Occasionally, Sweet Pea, but only by Wolfie. Momma Bear taught 1st and 2nd grade for 19 years in Detroit Public Schools and retired with Papa Bear to her childhood home on Lake Champlain in Plattsburgh, N.Y. Mom and dad spent the next 30 years enjoying lake life and small - town living. Momma Bear kept active substitute teaching for several years and joining Kiwanis, the Elks Club and the Women’s Axillary for the Cumberland Head volunteer fire department. She collected money and supplies for the Humane Society and organized events for the veterans of Plattsburgh. Mom also had a knack for clearing Great Blue Herons off the property to protect the chipmunks! Mom and Dad moved back to Michigan with their kitty, Rosie, in 2017.

As a fun-loving, kind hearted soul, mom was known for planning and organizing trips and weekend adventures for family and friends. She enjoyed camping, trips up North, and traveling the world with Wolfie. Throughout her life, Mom planned fundraising events for various Detroit and Plattsburgh charities. She was always ready to help others. Momma Bear enjoyed and adored her friends.

Oma’s grandchildren will remember her as a ready for fun, blueberry pancake flipping, rum and diet coke with one ice cube slamming, Euchre playing Oma who loved her grandkids dearly.

Mom gave her love and support to her daughters in whatever endeavor they embarked upon. It did not matter how time consuming, she was there. Staying up well past bedtime to assist us in writing papers for school, attending every basketball and volleyball game, track meet, dance recital and theatric production. Mom sewed every recital costume, cooked many team dinners and carted us all over lower Michigan. If we couldn’t sleep or were troubled, she sat up with us well into the night so we were not alone. Mom taught us the value of friendship, the importance of caring for others, and a love for animals and travel. We carry many cherished memories close to our hearts. Our mom, oma, Momma Bear, and Sweet Pea will be dearly missed.

Contributions in Barbara's memory may be made to Emily Ann Griffin Foundation, 15587 Blue Skies Street, Livonia, Michigan US, EAGF.org.

No services will be held at this time.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HarryjWillLivonia.com for the Mattes family.