My dearest Barbara,

Sto Lat.  What a party is happening today in heaven. You are rembered today and every day.  Your beautiful memory lives on in your children, grandchildren and friends.  Happy Birthday my dearest friend.

My condolences to Barbara's family.
What a joy she was.  So full of life and fun that it is hard to believe she's gone.  

I'll never forget our summers in Port Austin, the fun times we shared as young marrieds in the 60's and all the parties she threw when I came to Michigan in the 80's and 90's.  Most of all I remember her infectious laugh and her propensity for mischief.

Wherever you are Barbara, save a place in line for me.

Dorothy Currier
Marina del Rey, CA

I am so saddened by your mother's passing.   I was so looking forward to seeing her in September at our reunion.  I now know that my letter to her did not arrive in time but I also know that she probably read it anyway or is reading all of her guest book entries right now!  I remember so many things about her and our high school days.   Her singing and dancing on a chair in Agie's kitchen and not letting me join in because I was tone deaf; I remember her long black ponytail and thinking how beautiful she was.   I remember how she used to corner me in the hallways to copy my homework and me refusing and not wanting to admit I didn't do it either!!   I remember how happy she was on her wedding day; I remember going to visit at the store everytime I was in town and how happy we were to see each other.  Some people come and go in you life and are quickly forgotten, but you Hotsie have always remained in my heart.   Rest in peace my friend.

Genevieve Green Wheeler
Glens Falls, NY

See attached photos.  I hope that they download okay.  Judith

Our Beautiful Barbara, the Belle of every Ball, is waving to you from the Mountain of Love 
(Part 2 of 2)

Around 1958, classes were in session at Hamtramck High, but Barbara "Hotsy" Hamilton and I were outdoors in front of the school.  We spotted each other (naturally, all of the other students were in class), approached each other, and began talking.  Before long, a student appeared and said that we each had been summoned to the principal's office.  Yikes!  He (Mr. Henry Collins) determined that one of us was not in class because she was running an errand for her teacher, and the other had skipped her class.  Mr. Collins assessed the situation.  The outcome was: â€¦â€¦ You figure it out because I'll never tell!  We pals of Barbara remain loyal forever!

She was like a magnet.  We were drawn to Barbara and attached ourselves to her for life.  She danced (sometimes on chairs), sang songs on pitch and harmonized beautifully, often with her sister Judy.  Barbara knew both the lyrics and the artists of every 50's song that I ever knew.  She also hosted more parties than anyone I knew, and she fed, served, and even provided beds (or floors) to anyone who needed to spend the night at her place.  Much to our advantage, Barbara was a fabulous cook as well as baker, and she had a gigantically generous heart.  Indeed, she was the best party host in the cities of Hamtramck and St. Clair Shores!  

Barbara's cultural and historical awareness were important to her and interesting to us, especially the history of Poland and the many churches that Barbara loved to visit.  Of course, she also had a passion for frequenting Hamtramck events and pubs, much to our benefit and joy.  She managed the Polish Cultural Center in Hamtramck for decades.  It seemed that she knew the entire town, and that they all knew her.  Was she a popular woman, or what?  Could Barbara tell interesting stories, or what?  Was Barbara a woman to whom you could confide, or what?  Was she the best of the best?  Damned straight!  

Barbara, Barbara, Barbara.  What will we do without you?  The world has changed since you left, and it will never be the same without you.  Your family now has a void in their lives that can only be filled by you.  I truly believe, though, that you will reappear before your devoted children and sisters throughout their lives, whether in spirit or by sign, thereby preserving your exceptional and powerful family bond forevermore.

Eternal love, hugs, and kisses,
Judith
(Postscript:  I left a final tribute to your Mom and you in her audio message box.)

                                                 She is on the Mountain of Love
                                       (Part 1 of 2)

What a rare and exquisite symphony of love and emotion that filled the air at the three-day memorial services of our beloved, Barbara Hamilton, also/loved/as Barbara Randazzo, Chelinski, and Krakus.  Many wept, some wailed, and others sat silently.  All were stunned.  All were brokenhearted.  Yet, between our tears, Barbara's spirit kept appearing at her own wake, which I believe occurred because she knew that her children were longing for her and hurting.  Barbara guided her family and many others through the deep grief that gripped them.  She embraced our sadness and replaced it with strength.  Undoubtedly, Barbara enjoyed our laughter as well during those three somber days.  And, when our tears appeared again, Barbara emerged again, supporting us over and over as she always had in life.  Our dearest Barbara, whom her children worshipped, now beams from Above lin a precious category of One.  

Together, family and friends now share the common bond that Barbara will be etched in our hearts forever.  She has impacted our lives in her own unique way that no one can duplicate--ever.  Barbara is forevermore a vision of special memories and love that continue to blossom in her afterlife, just as she had blossomed in life on Earth, each time that she opened her butterfly wings and pulled us in next to her heart.

Our memories of our dearest Barbara are now permanent.  She is truly a legend to behold.
   
       With forever-love, J.
  
(The title above was spoken by Barbara's Priest at her Memorial Mass)

DEAR FAMILY OF BARBARA......I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, I HAVE ALSO LOST A SPECIAL FRIEND, SHE WILL BE MISSED..... HER SMILE, HER LAUGH, ALONG WITH HER BEAUTIFUL SINGING VOICE, WILL FOREVER REMAIN IN MY HEART AND THOUGHTS.......BARBARA WAS ALWAYS A FAITHFUL, SINCERE FRIEND, HER HOUSE WAS ALWAYS OPEN TO ALL, MANY FUN TIMES HAPPENED THERE......HAMTRAMCK WAS MY SPECIAL PLACE, SINCE WE ALL GREW UP THERE, BUT BARBARA MADE IT EVEN MORE SPECIAL AFTER MOST OF US LEFT THE SMALL TOWN......RETURNING BACK TO MICHIGAN FOR ME HAS ALWAYS INCLUDED A TRIP TO THE POLISH ART CENTER STORE TO PURCHASE GREAT POLISH GIFTS BARBARA SAID WAS A "MUST HAVE", OF COURSE SHE WAS RIGHT.....LATER, FRIENDS AND FAMILY CAME TO THE (PAINTED LADYS HOUSE) FOR WONDERFUL FOOD, DRINKS, AND SINGING........SHE WAS ONE OF A KIND, AND I WILL SO MISS HER......WE WILL ALSO MISS NOT SEEING HER HAPPY FACE AT OUR CLASS REUNION THIS SEPT. 18TH, 2010, HER MEMORY WILL BE WITH ALL OF US.....

Barb,
I was SO pleased when Jimmy and Kelly started dating and you were so warm and welcoming to me. You included me in your family gatherings, and were always so kind.
I am thrilled that I got to know you, and I will never forget you. The kids will struggle, but you gave them a wonderful foundation and they will, with some suffering, go on..
I will be glad to stand in for Jimmy for you. I will continue to pray for you, and hopefully you will do the same for all of us!
Jan Martin

As we go through the journey of life, we have special people, and Barbara was one of those individuals. When we sit and talk of the good times and reflect upon her there will be a smile on our face. Its been our honor to love and know her.

Jimmy, Angela, Jenny, & Joey, I am sorry for your loss. Your mom was a beautiful & sweet person. I will remember her always. God Bless! 
Collette (Mistalski) Palmer

Jimmy, Angela, Jenny & Joey,
I am so sorry to hear of your mom.  Boy I remember her smile and always saying look at those rosy cheeks on Lora. Your mom will be missed by many. 
My deepest sympathy to all of you at this time.
Lora Fedishin-Rudolph

Even though it has been a very long time since we spoke -- I am very sad today.  Barb was a fun loving, warm, beautiful and wonderful person. I remember her beautiful smile and kind ways. One thing I can tell you for sure..she will always be with you in spirit. God Bless you.

Sandy Reese McGuffie,
Hamtramck High School Class of 1959

May
Friends comfort you
Faith uphold you
Loving memories heal your heart

We will always remember Ms. Barbara's fantastic Smile !


With Sympathy,

The Leone Family

BARBARA 
       Had a beautiful life that
          came to an end,
        she died as she lived,
           everyone's friend.
            In our hearts a
        memory will be kept,
         of one we loved, and
             will never forget.

Ethel and Conrad Fiddler

Polly & Family,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Thinking of you and you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Much Hugs,

Jimmy, Angela, Jenny and Joey,

I am so sad to hear this news, my dad found it in the paper this morn. and forwarded the info/website to my work, your mom was a great person, and I will remember her being such a nice sweet stepmom to me, Barbara and Dawn. We have so many memories of being with you all, and again how nice your mom was to us.

My deepest sympathy to you all- Mary (Chylinski) Watzke

To Barbara's wonderful family,

I am reminded of one of my favorite poems.

What though the radiance which was so bright, be now forever taken from our sight, though nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower;  We will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind.
What remains behind is Barbara's wonderful family and her adoring friends.  I will miss you so.
Carol Ormerod

god bless her. she graduated a year ahead of me at hamtramck high but i do remember her as a kind and wonderful person. may god keep  her in his loving arms always.

We are very sorry about Barbara's passing.  You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Tommy and Viky Krakus

Jimmy, Angela, Jenny and Joey,

Your mom was truly a special person.  I've known her since we were kids and her very sweet smile and kind demeanor will truly be missed.  She will always be in my heart and I will miss her tremendously.

Sharon L. Merker-Fedishin

Jimmy, Angela, Jenny & Joey,
When we lose our mothers, we lose much that can't be replaced. But we are also left with much to cherish-memories, unique personality traits & strengths, wisdom & hopefully an example that can inspire us to offer nurturing love to those who remain in our lives. A mother's love, after all is never lost if it is passed on. Your mom had a lot of love for anyone she met & we feel so special that she shared her love with us in so many ways for so many years. We love Mrs. Barb & we love you guys, our thoughts & prayers are with you all.

This is truly a very sad day.  Not only was this lady a wonderful mother to some very good friends of mine and a loving and patient wife to yet another friend, I considered her to be a good friend of mine as well.  Ms. Barb, you will be sorely missed.  Rest in peace with Christ.

OBITUARY

Barbara S. Krakus

September 12, 1943 – August 2, 2010

Edward Swanson & Son Funeral Home

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