Barbara A. Ponchaud
Barbara A. Ponchaud
IRON MOUNTAIN — Our mother, Barbara A. Ponchaud, 89, passed peacefully from this world Monday, April 2, 2018, surrounded by her family at Maryhill Manor Nursing Home in Niagara, Wis. Barb was born on June 14, 1928, in Kingsford. She graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1965 with a LPN Nursing Degree.
Her nursing career began at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital and then continued at the VA Hospital in Iron Mountain. She retired in April 1986. She enjoyed being a nurse and helping people. Her cherished pastimes included family gatherings, watching the Packers, going hunting and fishing, bird watching, playing cards, partaking in old fashioned, and going on road trips.
Her Christian faith was also very important to her. She was awarded the title of “First Lady of Dickinson County” in 1991. Barb also found time to be active in the American Cancer Society, UPCAP (Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress), American Martyrs St. Theresa’s Circle, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and helped organize and form the Alzheimer’s Clinic.
Barb is survived by her daughters, Cheryl (Vincent) Hietpas of Forest Junction, Wis., and Darcie (Gary) Powell of Dunbar, Wis.; grandchildren, Craig (Brandy) Bevilacqua of Milwaukee, Amy (James) Hostettler of Chilton, Wis., Sherida (Eric) Genereau of New London, Wis., Travis Hietpas (fiancée Taura Tippett) of Greenleaf, Wis., Kimberly Powell (Patrick Perry Jr.) of Germantown, Wis., Terrie Lynn (Chris) Reilly of Lords Valley, Pa., and Jeff Witter (special friend Angela Suttner) of Kiel, Wis.; 11 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Rick John Bevilacqua; and a grandson, Cray S. Powell.
Barb was a very kind and loving person and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Barb’s family would like to thank the staff of Maryhill Manor Nursing Home for the loving, kind, and compassionate care they gave our mother.
Visitation was held today at the Kingsford Funeral Home of Kingsford. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at American Martyrs Catholic Church, with Father Joseph Gouin officiating.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Barb’s memory.
The family has entrusted the Kingsford Funeral Home with the arrangements.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of Barbara A. Ponchaud online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.
Mom – Love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck!!