Obituary of Barb Chlebek
Barbara Patricia Makohon was born on April 13, 1945 in Highland Park, Michigan. She was one of two children born to Michael Makohon and Agnes (Fabian) Makohon.
A quintessential “jack of all trades”, she wore many hats over the years, including working as a plumber’s assistant and waitress. For the fifteen years preceding her retirement in 2011, Barb was employed as a warehouse manager for Borders Bookstores.
Barbara loved to spend time outdoors. She never considered mowing the grass a chore and kept her yard lush with flowers every summer. A talented crafter, Barb designed her own landscape décor. She enjoyed shopping for seasonal items and decorated her home for every holiday. She kept up on the latest decorating trends presented on HGTV, in Better Homes and Gardens, and Woman’s Day magazines. Barb loved to learn and wasn’t afraid to tackle any problem. Fiercely independent, she was willing to teach herself how to fix just about anything.
Barb had a generous heart and loved giving gifts. She sent thoughtful cards for every occasion. Deeply loving and caring, she always put everyone else’s needs ahead of her own. Barb cherished her family and received great joy from spending time with her children, nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She went by many names: Mom, Sister, Aunt, “Honorary” Grandma, Friend, Neighbor, but any name said was always said with love.
Barbara Patricia Chlebek, of Dundee, Michigan passed away peacefully on her 77th birthday, Wednesday, April 13, 2022. Her passing was preceded by her son: Kevin Chlebek; a brother: Michael Makohon; and her former spouse: Joseph Chlebek.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter: JoAnne Karpuk; sister in-law: Barb Avigne; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews; and young neighbor: London, who shared a special bond with Barb and affectionally referred to her as “Gram”.
Friends may gather from 11:00am until 5:00pm on Thursday; April 21, 2022 at Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee, 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734) 529-3156. A Celebration of Barbara’s Life will follow at 5:00pm also at Merkle’s. Cremation will be entrusted to Covenant Cremation of Erie. Burial of her cremated remains will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Dundee at a later date.
Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.
