Barbara Garvey passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday August 8, 2009 at St. Mary's hospital after a brief illness.
She was born on Oct. 15, 1927 in Hancock, Mich. and graduated from Houghton High School. Barbara loved her friends and family. She was well known for her spunky personality, quirky sense of humor, unique fashion sense and deep love of people. As a young woman, Barbara held several positions including a position with the FBI in Washington, DC, and a telephone operator in Chicago and Michigan. In later years, she worked as a Welcome Wagon hostess, Visitor Information Center manager, Barker's Island hostess and as a foster grandparent.
Barbara married Dr. John Garvey, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, in 1954. After a brief period in Hancock, Mich. and Petaluma Calif., they settled in Superior, Wisconsin and resided at 609 East 4th Street for over 30 years. Barbara was a very active and social person. Her civic accomplishments include Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout leader, Onaway Club, voter registration volunteer and St. Francis Xavier Church volunteer.
Barbara loved to travel, swim, golf, dance and ski. She also loved animals. As the wife of a veterinarian, she had many unusual pets over the years. For the past four years, Barbara happily resided at St. Ann's Residence in Duluth where she had many friends, attended church regularly and participated in many activities. She enjoyed her annual trips to California to visit her brother and sister and their families.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Loranna Sullivan; Dr. John Garvey; and an infant daughter Mary Elizabeth in 1955.
Barbara is survived by son and daughter-in-law John and Peggy Garvey, Streamwood, Ill.; daughter Kate Garvey, San Diego, Calif.; brother Frank Sullivan, San Diego Calif.; sister Mary (Sullivan) Key, San Jose Calif.; three grandchildren Dawn, Erica and Sean Garvey Streamwood, Ill.; nephew Gregory Key, whom she called her second son, Santa Cruz, Calif.; niece Heidi Sullivan, San Diego, Calif., and nephew Dennis Sullivan, Brazil.
Visitation will be on Wed. Aug. 12, from 5-7 pm. with a wake service at 6 p.m. at Downs Funeral Home, corner of 19th St. and Ogden Ave. A memorial mass will be held on Thurs. Aug. 13 at 11 a.m. immediately followed by a luncheon at St. Francis Xavier Church, Rev. Fr. James Tobolski as celebrant. There will also be a memorial mass held on Fri. Aug. 14 at 1 p.m. St. Ann's Residence followed by an ice cream social and sing along. Barbara will be deeply missed by all who knew her.