Barbara Ann Anderson

On Wednesday, March 17, 2021, our beloved Barbara "Barbie" Ann Anderson (formerly LaCourt, maiden Rochow) went to be with her Lord and Savior.  She passed away in her home surrounded by loving family.  Barbie was 81 years old and a resident of Bay City, Michigan her entire life.  She was born on June 17, 1939 in Bay City, daughter of Robert and Mildred Rochow (Gies).  Barbie graduated from St. Mary's High School in Bay City in 1957 where she was a cheerleader, who recited her cheers even into her final days.

Barbie married Richard Louis LaCourt in 1959, with whom she resided in Bangor Township for 20 years until Richard's death in 1979.  Barbie is survived by their 4 children: Michael (Wendy) LaCourt, David (Lisa) LaCourt, Cheryl (John) Steudle, and Susan (Bob) Navarro.  She was preceded in death by her parents, older brother Robert (Mary) Rochow, younger brother Thomas (Donna) Rochow, brother-in-law John (Jeanette) LaCourt, and brother-in-law George (Elaine) LaCourt.  She is survived by her sister-in-law, whom she claimed as sister, Isabelle "Izzy" (Michele) Tiglio, along with several nieces and nephews she held near and dear to her heart.

In 1987, Barbie remarried Paul "The Ref" Anderson and gained 3 more children: Steven (Julie) Anderson, Stacy Anderson, and Jennifer Colberg.  She is also survived by brother-in-law Gary (Linda) Anderson and sister-in-law Mary Anderson.

Barb worked for Bangor Township Schools in food services for 26 years, where she was known and loved by all the students as "Grandma Barbie" - never turning down a request for extra fries or a chocolate chip cookie.

As much as she loved the students she worked with, her true life's passion and pride and joy were her 19 grandkids and 12 great grand babies.  She went by many names, lovingly referred to as "G. Barb, GiGi, Grandma Barbie, and Mammer".  Never to be forgotten are the cherished memories of her annual Christmas party, where she required all to sing carols together before opening matching Christmas jammies.

Barbie never met a stranger.  She spread light everywhere she went, which might be part of the reason she was always seen with a pair of sunnies on - sometimes two!  She certainly had a knack for making everyone around her feel special.  Her sense of humor was unparalleled until the end.  The loss of Barbie leaves a huge void, and she will be missed by so many.  We take comfort knowing she is in Paradise.

2 Corinthians 5:8, "We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."


A Memorial Mass will be held Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at Our Lady of Peace Parish- St. Mary's Church. Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. John Sarge with inurnment in St. Patrick's Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family at the church on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.