Barbara J. McAuliffe

Barbara Jean McAuliffe, age 62, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on May 29, 1964, in Wyandotte, Michigan, to Gerald P. McAuliffe and Anna Marie (Gebhardt) McAuliffe.

Barbara spent her early childhood in Riverview, Michigan, where she attended St. Cyprian Catholic School before her family moved to Goodrich in 1974. She graduated from Goodrich High School with the Class of 1983. The sixth of seven children, Barbara shared a lifelong bond with her siblings that remained one of the greatest blessings of her life.

For more than 20 years, Barbara worked as a nursing aide at Riverbend Nursing Home in Grand Blanc. She cared for others with the same kindness, compassion, and generosity that defined her life. She was humble, kind, unsinkable, resilient, and giving, with a heart big enough to make everyone around her feel loved.

Barbara found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved fishing, collecting pennies, visiting the casino, spending time at the family cottage on Lake Huron, and creating cherished memories by putting on Easter egg hunts for those she loved. Above all else, her greatest happiness came from being with her family.

Over the past two years, Barbara made her home at The Oaks at Woodfield in Grand Blanc, where she always looked forward to visits with family and treasured the time they spent together.

Barbara also had a wonderful sense of humor that brought smiles to everyone around her. She was known for her quick wit and playful responses. When asked, “How ya feeling, Barb?” she would grin and reply, “With my fingers!” And if someone asked, “Did you get a haircut?” her answer was always, “Yeah, I got them all cut!” Those lighthearted moments will be remembered with love and laughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Anna Marie McAuliffe, and her oldest brother, Gerald “Jerry” McAuliffe.

Barbara is lovingly survived by her siblings and their families: Amy Miller (Vern), Anne Freeman (Gary), Tom McAuliffe (Tammy), Jim McAuliffe (Pat), Mary Miller (Brian), and Kevin McAuliffe (Jen), as well as her beloved godson, Adam McAuliffe, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Barbara’s life was a beautiful example of kindness, resilience, and unconditional love. Her unsinkable spirit, warm heart, and the memories she created with those she loved will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.

A visitation for Barbara will be held at Hill Funeral Home - 11723 South Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 4:00 pm with a rosary service at 7:00 pm.

A funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church - 11804 S. Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Thursday July 30, 2026, at 10:00 am with visitation beginning at 9:15 am. The funeral mass will also be livestreamed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lavigne Home for Compassionate Care or the Church of the Holy Family Outreach.