Barbara Ann Campau

Barbara Ann Campau, of Livonia, Michigan, passed away on September 17, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on April 6, 1943, in Butler, Pennsylvania, Barbara devoted her life to her family and the many people whose lives she touched through her kindness, service, and friendship. Her gentle nature and loving heart left a beautiful imprint on all who knew her.

Barbara graduated from Grove City College before beginning her professional career in social work. She worked briefly as a parole officer before moving to Michigan and finding her calling as a social studies teacher in the Livonia Public school district. After spending time as a stay-at-home mother, she returned to the workforce as the volunteer for the Women’s Resource Center at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, a job she loved. This work was among her proudest professional accomplishments, and even many years after retirement, she continued to speak fondly about the relationships she held with her volunteers.

Barbara met her beloved husband, Ronald Campau, in 1969 while they were living in the same apartment complex. They married in 1970 and shared 55 loving years together until Ron preceded her in death on August 18, 2025. They settled in Livonia early in their marriage and were proud and contributing members of their community.

In her free time, Barb enjoyed spending time with her friends and fellow former educators and was especially grateful for her core group of friends, affectionately known as The Bridge Group. She adored her grandchildren and was a regular supporter at their school activities and sporting events and was always proud to cheer them on.

Barbara loved being near the water. She was able to do so through trips to their cottage at Lost Lake Woods and visiting good friends in Traverse City. For several years, Barb and Ron also enjoyed an extended vacation in Gulf Shores, AL. She treasured time spent relaxing and making memories.

Barbara will be lovingly remembered by her children, Chad (Amanda) Campau and Julie (John) Miller; her grandchildren, Gabrielle, Hannah, Evan, Emma, Carson, and Owen; her siblings, Mary Jo (David) Milheim, Linda Rough, David Pataky, and Jeanne (Lowell) Jackson; her sister-in-law, Virginia Apkarian (Terry); and her many nieces and nephews, and dedicated friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Velma (Eichorn) Pataky; her husband, Ronald Campau; her sister, Michele Doctor, and several brother and sisters-in-law.

Barbara leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and family. She will be remembered for the pride she took in the people she loved, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless ways she showed up for others. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her children and grandchildren, her family and friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known her. She will be greatly missed in her family’s everyday lives, but they are grateful she is at peace and reunited with her husband.

In memory of Barbara, a donation can be made online or mailed to Forgotten Harvest of Michigan - https://www.forgottenharvest.org/donate/ or to a charity of your choice.

In accordance with Barbara’s wishes, cremation will take place. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Edith’s Catholic Church on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 10:00 am. A luncheon will follow to allow family and friends to share stories and memories of Barb. Please email Julie Miller at [email protected] by October 20, 2026, if you would like to attend the luncheon.