Barbara Elizabeth MacDonald

Barbara Elizabeth MacDonald, age 85 of Warren, died Saturday, March 15, 2014 at the Four Chaplains Nursing Center in Westland, Michigan.She was born on April 14, 1928 in Detroit, daughter of the late Andrew York Galbraith and the late Elsie (nee: Kohlaas) Galbraith. Being one of the pioneers among women in the workplace, Barbara's first dip in the employment pool began with a stint at the photographic giant, Kodak. From there, fate would steer her in a different direction and land her in a position with Manufacturer's Bank, the institution we now know as Comerica Bank. It was there that Barbara poured the better part of her business savvy into her work, and was proud of the loyal and dedicated service she rendered until her retirement. When she wasn't working, Barbara kept her hands quite busy through the crafting pleasures she enjoyed in knitting, crocheting, and dabbling in the realm of oil painting. Over the years, she managed to create some wonderful pieces that were a reflection of the artistic eye she possessed. Another of Barbara's artsy talents came in the form of photography, a medium she enjoyed immensely. Though her portfolio was an eclectic array of scenic splendor, there's no doubt that her favorite subjects were her precious grandchildren,…and flowers. Everywhere the kids gathered, you could count on Grandma being there with camera in hand,…just waiting for that opportune moment to snap one off. She was so devout in her picture-taking that she was donned, "Grandma Click-Click" by her many loved ones.But when it came time for a little "white space" in her day, there's no question that Barbara's favorite pastime was enjoyed by the water,…with her fishin' pole in hand. She held many joys in life, but few could compare to the exuberance she felt by casting her line in the water in hopes of snagging that "Big One!" Fishing brought Barbara countless hours of relaxation and enjoyment,…and at times, the chance to be a little naughty like the day she snuck out with her son-in-law to go fishin' when she was supposed to be canning tomatoes. There her daughters stood…with bushels of tomatoes at their feet that Mom had helped to gather…and off Mom went with a smoke trail behind that spelled out, "Gone Fishin!" As for her favorite fishing hole, nothing could beat the beauty and serenity of the Foote Site Dam in Oscoda. That was THE place for Barbara to tickle that fishin' fancy, for sure.And telling the story of Barbara just wouldn't be replete without the mention of her dear friend, Jane and the many excursions they enjoyed to Petosky in search of those infamous Petosky Stones and blue bottles. Together, she and Jane purchased one of those Pop-Up Volkswagon Vans and toured a lot of Michigan's scenic shoreline as they sought their prize,…and, undoubtedly, shared a lot of great conversation, fun, and friendship-building memories.And many will remember (and chuckle about) the regaling by Barbara following the trip she shared with her daughter & family to Disney World,…and the infamous experience on the "It's a Small World Ride." What began as an innocent, fairy tale-esque vision of creating a family memory turned into the ride from,…well, you know where. But just like God does, He can take a nightmare experience and turn it around to a memory that we can all laugh about and reflect on with amusement. And it was a "hoot" revisiting it all again as Barbara's presence filled the room.Though Barbara's physical presence is gone from us, she leaves a storehouse of memories to reflect upon and a legacy of love that was unique and genuine to the person she was in each person's life. Though she will live on through the hearts and souls of all she touched, she will still be missed immensely. Rest in peace, Barbara. Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Ronald Brodie MacDonald. Dear mother of Karen (Dennis) Lewis and Rosemary (Doug) Linsenmann. Loving grandmother of Kristi (Benjamin) Garrett, Nelson Watkins, Dennis Lewis, Michael Lewis, and great-grandmother of Benjamin Garrett. She was preceded in death by her siblings and their spouses; Eleanor (Konrad) Geyer, Andrew (Catherine) Galbraith, and Rosemary (Rudy) Demumbrum.Visitation for Barbara will be held on Monday, March 17th from 3-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren. She will lie in state on Tuesday from 12:00pm until time of the Funeral Service at 1:00pm at Celtic Cross Presbyterian Church in Warren.Memorial donations are welcomed to the church, or to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Attn: Donor Services, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, Texas 75265-0309. Please share memories of Barbara at her memory book.