Barbara Pousak | May 4, 1936  –  March 19, 2026

It is with deep sadness that the family of Barbara Irene Pousak announces her peaceful passing on March 19, 2026. A woman of warmth, grace, and unwavering devotion, Barbara lived her life in service to the people she loved most – her family. To know Barbara was to know what it felt like to be truly welcomed, truly cherished, and truly at home.

Barbara Irene Mead was born on May 4, 1936, in Wyandotte, Michigan, to the loving union of Alfred and Irene (Toth) Mead. Raised in the heart of Wyandotte, Barbara grew up surrounded by family and community, values that would remain central to her identity throughout her entire life. She went on to graduate from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1955.

It was not long after that Barbara’s life took its most meaningful turn, when she found the love of her life in Richard Pousak. The two were joined in marriage in 1963, beginning a partnership that would span an extraordinary 62 years – a love story built on loyalty, laughter, and an unshakable commitment to one another and to the family they would build together.

Barbara had established herself as a dedicated employee with the City of Wyandotte’s municipal department, but when the time came, she made the selfless and joyful decision to step away from her career to raise her three children. Those years were a gift she gave freely and without reservation, pouring herself into the home and the hearts of her family. As her children grew and found their footing, Barbara returned to the working world, serving as a store clerk – a role that suited her natural warmth and her genuine love of people. Throughout her life, she was also a faithful member of St. Vincent Pallotti Church, where her faith provided her with strength, comfort, and community.

Barbara had a gift for making every occasion feel special, and nowhere was that more evident than in her love of hosting. The holidays at Barbara’s home were something to be remembered -the table set with care, the kitchen filled with the aromas of home cooking, and family gathered from near and far around her. She was never happier than when her loved ones were all under one roof, and she worked tirelessly to make those gatherings memorable. Among the many culinary traditions she passed down, her beloved Apple Torte Cake holds a particularly cherished place in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to taste it.

One of Barbara’s great joys was shopping, which she embraced with enthusiasm and generosity. She especially loved spending full days out with her daughter Mary Ann, returning with thoughtful gifts for her grandchildren. More than the purchases, those trips were about connection, laughter, and time together—something she truly cherished.

Barbara Pousak was the kind of woman who lit up when people walked through her door. Her face would brighten at the sight of a loved one, her warmth instantly filling whatever room she was in. She treasured visits from family and she made every person who came to see her feel as though their presence was the very best gift they could have given her. In that way, she gave a great gift right back.

Barbara cherished every moment with her grandchildren. She delighted in playing games, cooking their favorite meals, vacationing up north, and simply relaxing together on the patio—times that deepened their bond. Whether engaged in a playful activity or just enjoying each other’s company, these moments were precious to her, creating lasting memories that each grandchild will carry in their heart forever.

Above all, Barbara was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a doting grandmother. Her family was her life’s greatest work and her deepest source of pride and happiness. She loved with her whole heart and held nothing back, and the imprint of that love will remain with her family for generations to come.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Alfred and Irene Mead, and by her dear siblings: Shirley (Lester) McIntyre, Alfred (Barbara) Mead, Richard (Dolores) Mead, William Mead, and Robert (Mary) Mead.

She leaves behind to hold her memory close her devoted husband of 62 years, Richard Pousak; her three cherished children: Michael (Tracey) Pousak, Christopher (Lisa) Pousak, and Mary Ann (Michael) Podsiad; her beloved grandchildren: Nikole (Justin) Sekula, David Pousak, Brian Pousak, Rochelle Podsiad, Zachary Pousak, and Lauren Pousak; her siblings: Ann (Ken) Boeth and Joseph (JoAnn) Mead; her sister-in-law, Shirley Mead, and her beloved dog: Charlie, who was by her side when God called her home. As well as many extended family members and friends whose lives were made richer for having known her.

Barbara Irene Pousak was the heart of her family, and though that heart has gone quiet, its rhythm will echo on in every life she touched.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital or Michigan Lupus Foundation

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen