Barbara Jane Suomala died peacefully on her 76th birthday at ProMedica Toledo Hospital surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on October 26, 1947 in Oil City, PA to Kenneth Lee and Virgina Helen (Miller) Mathews. The family would move to Akron, OH before settling in Ann Arbor, MI where Barbara would enjoy her childhood. After graduating from Huron High School in 1965, she started working for Edwards Brothers Malloy Publishing on State Street in Ann Arbor. She worked as a purchasing agent for over 25 years with Edwards Brothers before earning her retirement from them.

Barbara married Gregory Bruce Suomala on May 25, 1968 until his passing on June 4, 1997. She would meet her current spouse, Dennis "Denny" McLeod Sr. at Riverside Roller Rink in Livonia. From then on, Barb never left Denny's side earning her the nickname of "Shadow" that held true until the end. Denny would be the love of Barb's life and become an intricate part of her family. Together they bought their lakefront home in Onsted, MI on Loch Erin where they would both enjoy retirement together. Their house is where family and friends would gather for summers on the water, BBQ on the grill, Michigan Football games, and every major holiday/special occasion in between.

Traveling all over the U.S. in their RV Camper was a passion of Barb's. Taking Caribbean cruises with Denny, sister Shirley and brother-in-law Argo, friends Mike and Char, were some of her favorite traveling stories. Saturday mornings you could always expect Barbara and Dennis tailgating for Michigan Wolverines Football. One of their last big trips together was in 2021 to the Capital One Orange Bowl to watch their Wolverines. Saturday nights after football were usually spent with family at the race track, Barb loved a good race. She was active at her local YMCA in Adrian and also played on a Wednesday night bowling league with Dennis.

Barb was active in every aspect of life until the very end. She always had a big heart, servant hands, and a warm loving home to offer you. She inspired her family to live life as an adventure by chasing dreams and conquering fears. She enjoyed the finer things; taught her nieces and nephews through hard work and determination they too could achieve anything they desired. Most importantly, Barbara showed everyone how to love freely and wholly without fear.

She leaves behind her loving husband Dennis, sister Shirley, sister-in-law Lori, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. She's preceded in death by her parents, late husband Greg, brother Ken, sister Carol, and brothers-in-laws Tom and Argo.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial gathering is set for Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Stark Funeral Professionals, 101 S. Washington Street, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Visitation will be 11 am-1 pm, with the memorial service starting promptly at 1 pm. Burial at Arborcrest Memorial Park and a luncheon will follow the service.

The family would also like to express gratitude to The Randolph family, all of the staff at Toledo ProMedica (CCU, 5th floor), and Silvey's Metro Transport for their love, compassion, and care for their beloved Barbara.