"I enjoyed working with Judy on many projects with the GP Realtors. She was the deciding model of integrity along with emery and humor. God bless all"
In loving memory of
Judith Lee Barker
May 7, 1943 - August 24, 2020
Judith Lee (Judy) Barker (77) passed away peacefully on Monday, August 24 in her St. Clair Shores home. She battled pancreatic cancer with courage and dignity for nearly two years.
Services will be held Friday, August 28 at St Paul's on the Lake Church in Grosse Pointe Farms. She will lie in repose for a brief visitation beginning at 11:30am followed by the funeral mass at noon. All in attendance will be required to wear facial masks.
Judy was born in 1943 in Detroit, Michigan to John and Kate Larkins. She had 2 younger brothers: Jack and Bob and they spent their teenage years in Birmingham, MI. Judy married Jerry LeVan in 1962 and they have 3 sons together: Michael LeVan (Julie), David LeVan and Steve LeVan. In 1974 Judy married William Barker and they enjoyed 11 happy years together until his death in 1986. Judy was very close to her 3 grandchildren, Katie LeVan (28), Tommy Drawbaugh (16) and Joey Drawbaugh (14). Grandma Judy was the ultimate fan and enjoyed countless hours in the bleachers and on the sidelines watching her family compete in their favorite sports.
Judy worked with her son Michael as a Realtor with Adlhoch & Associates in Grosse Pointe for 16 years. Judy was awarded Realtor of the Year honors in 2014. In addition, she served as President of the Grosse Pointe Board of Realtors in 2016, after two previous terms as a Director. Her work ethic and integrity in business were beyond reproach.
Judy was 'all about family' whether cooking big meals, hosting holidays or just bringing the snacks, she was the consummate hostess. Over the last few years, Judy met and fell in love with Bob Kocian of Grosse Pointe Woods. The two of them could be seen at local festivals, restaurants and sporting events all over town.
If you ever met Judy, it was impossible not to recognize her incredible unselfishness and genuine kindness. She always put others before herself. She touched so many and will be greatly missed by all.
Even through her difficult final months, the times that Judy spent with her extended family energized her and brought her great joy. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, the family asks the each of you make a specific plan with your family, in the very near future, to do something together that you all enjoy and make your own lasting memory in Judy's honor.
Tributes
"I had the wonderful experience of working with Judy while we were both at Merrill Lynch Realty in the early eighties. She had more energy than anyone I knew, a fabulous sense of humor, remembered birthdays, anniversaries and tidbits about people that was uncanny. She spoke about her sons all the time, so proud of all their accomplishments! Michael and I always enjoyed her company and will miss her greatly. Patricia L. Mulvey & Michael A. Cornman, Irvington, New York"
"Judy was one most selfless, friendly, and energetic people I've ever met. She was also one of the first real estate professionals I met when I started my career, and she's remained a role model for me to this day. She will be sorely missed, and remembered, not forgotten. She had such a positive impact on so many lives! "
"Dave, Mike, and Steve, Sorry to hear about your loss. Judy touched my life (and my family's life) in so many positive ways. I'll always have special memories of her smile, her thoughtfulness, and her kind heart. She truly was a gift from God. Thoughts and prayers to all of you. Mike Scannell"
"Dear, dear Steve, and Mike & Dave, We're so very sorry to learn of your Mom's death. What an amazing, wonderful person she was. You're whole family are in our thoughts & prayers. With love, Mary Do & Cy DeMeulemeester "
"Judy was as beautiful on the inside and she was on the outside. She was a role model for all women, including myself. We are all so fortunate to have been a part of her amazing life. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. Shireen Starman"
"Judy you were an absolute joy to work with! We will truly miss you ? Michael Poole - President, Detroit Association of Realtors"
"I was so sorry to hear of Judy's passing. She was a fine lady and always so kind to me. I was always so excited when she used to let me "borrow" some of her clothes that she no longer needed.....such a huge treat for a teenage girl! Let her lovely smile and wonderful spirit live in our hearts for a long time. Love and sincere condolences to Michael, David and Steven.
Cousin Linda Czajka"
"Mike & Julie,
Sorry to hear about your mother. Sending loving thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Your friends,
Rob & Anna "
"I am so sorry to hear about Judy. She was beautiful when I met her in her teens and she was still gorgeous in her late 70s, both inside and out. I remember when Jerry brought her to our grandmothers' house to introduce Judy, she was only in her late teens, me only about 14. I was in awe of her, and I would swear she had a glow about her. That vision is still clear in my mind today. She looked ethereal to a young 14 year old girl. Peace to the family, especially Michael, David and Steve."