A beautiful radiant loving soul left our earth-bound presence and was called home into the loving arms of the Lord on Monday February, 17, 2025 at U.P. Health Systems Marquette while in the care of EMS staff and her family at the hospital.  Barb was currently under the loving care of the staff at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility at the time of her passing following a summer long deterioration in her health.

Barbara Mercedes 'nee" Dushane Stampee  was born in Marquette on a cold February 9th day in 1940, the daughter of Leona Aldia (nee Dionne) and John Magnum Dushane, the youngest of seven children.  She grew up in North Marquette, affectionately   known as the "Swamp." (If you know, you know) Barb attended the North Marquette grade school, St Michael's grade school, and was a graduate of Graveraet High School, class of 1957.

On her 16th birthday she met and fell in instant love with her future husband in Ishpeming, and September 14th, 1957, she and Gerald Stampee were married in the rectory of St. Michael's church in Marquette.   Her oldest sister Madonna Coombe and Robert "Bra" Lawson were her and Jerry's Maid-of- honor and Best Man.   They were together for 59 years until Jerry's passing in February of 2016.  They began their married lives in Ishpeming Michigan and had three boys, Gregory John, Jeffrey Todd, and Mark Damon and she remained in the family home on Duncan Street in the 8th Addition almost to the time of her passing.

In her younger years when Jerry was away in different states in his job, Barb remained at home raising their three sons.  In addition to this mighty task of a stay-at-home Mom, Barb also managed to very successfully sell Avon, Fuller Brush and Amway products door to door, always getting home before her three boys got home from school and had a waiting supper on the table.  Barb was proud of this and her days were full.

Barb loved her family to the Moon and back and was her pride and joy.  Jerry and her sons were her main priority and meant the world to her and it showed.   Her Grandchildren Jeffrey, Ashley, Alicia, and Michael were the absolute love of her life and her greatest pride and joy, were deeply, deeply cherished, absolutely and unequivocally, and often spoiled by their loving "Gram" as she was affectionately known.

Other interests included her love of poetry and often song writing.  Barb even had a song she had written years ago and recorded in Nashville she was so very proud of called "Ryan's Song," for her niece Susie and 4-year-old son who lived downstate.   It made it to them shortly before she passed away and she was able to listen to it.  On the same "45" record was a song called "September Song" in honor of her and Jerry's wedding that month.   She was very proud of this and her very extensive poetry writing, of which she would often say "they just come to me and I have to immediately write them down."

Barb also loved to do Very challenging crossword puzzles, word games, and especially a good game of Scrabble!  She loved cooking and baking of all sorts, canning and pickling in her younger years, and her Sunday meals with family all around were the best!   In addition, Barb loved to play cribbage, especially with Jerry and Mark, and looked forward to weekly league play at the Negaunee Eagles Club with Mark when he finally returned "home" after retiring from the Army.   There were very few games of Scrabble won by Jeff (or anyone that challenged her for that matter) as her vast knowledge of words, origins, and their meanings from her crossword puzzles gave her a leg up on everyone!  You didn't stand a chance!  Also, you'd have to try very hard to find a crossword puzzle book she couldn't master!  She loved to play card games with her mom, sisters and brothers and their families when they often got together from far and wide and with her friends.  Barb enjoyed watching scary movies, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune, often beating everyone that played along with her.   She loved sweet heavenly scented spring Lilacs, Lily of the Valley flowers, yellow Roses, blushing warm Sunsets, fresh garden tomatoes by the absolute bushel basket FULL, and the simple, beautiful things in life.   Barb also had many "fur babies" throughout life, her loving kitty Kimba especially, (they even bought Kimba her own pet Gerbil) her and Jerry's canine buddy Frasier, and last but not least her beloved Pomeranian Leroy that went over the Rainbow Bridge this summer also.  She always said he was a little "man' dressed up in a dog's suit!

Barb's amazing smart wit, keen and awesome sense of humor, and loving and caring sweet nature were blessed upon her by her family growing up, beginning with her own Grandma and Grandpa Dionne, down through all her loving brothers and sisters, and there was absolutely never a dull moment when they could all get together!  We can all imagine the celebration going on right now in heaven!

Barb also grew up in a very gifted and musically talented family and loved to sing and vocalize with her six other brothers and sisters when they were able to gather together throughout life, especially at her Moms home "Grandma "K's" in North Marquette.   The singing, card games, music playing, love, and abundant and non-stop laughter would carry on into the late night, often!    Barb also Very proudly served and sang on the St. Josephs' Church Choir for many years and enjoyed that time very passionately.

Mom also had a very deep respect and reverence of Jesus Christ our Savior, our Christian faith, and a very deep and everlasting respect for His divine authority and had a strong commitment to living in accordance with His will. She expressed this from very deep within her heart through worship, prayer, and a life that honored His name in all things all through her life here on earth.  For this we are ALL grateful as we know we will all meet again with our Heavenly Father and each other.  What a glorious time awaits us all!

"My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." – John 14:2-3

Barb is survived her son- Jeffrey (Darlene) Stampee, daughter-in-law Kathy Stampee, four grandchildren-Jeffrey (Ashley) Stampee, Ashley Marie Stampee, Alicia (Will) Stampee, Michael Stampee, along with numerous nieces and nephews, both great, and great-great.  Also, very special and beloved sister-in-laws Kerry Dodendorf and Doreen Lawson. She was preceded in death by her parents, - Leona Dionne Dushane Kurian, John Dushane, and stepfather John Kurian.   husband- Gerald (Jerry) Stampee, sons Mark and Gregory Stampee, six siblings- John Dushane, William Dushane, Kenneth Dushane, Patricia Thompson, Margaret Gauthier, and Madonna Coombe.  Also, many, many other dear family members, friends and neighbors.

Barbara's family greeted family and friends on Monday February 24th at St. Josephs' Catholic Church where a Mass of Christian Burial and Barbs incredible life was celebrated with Father Dan Moll celebrating.  A luncheon followed in the church hall following the celebration of Barbs life.   Burial will take place at the Ishpeming cemetery on Friday February 28th at 1:00 P.M.  All are welcome to attend.  Please do if you can.  Mom would be honored with your presence.

Honorary Pallbearers were Barbara's four grandchildren- Jeffrey, Ashley, Alicia, and Michael. Also assisting as pallbearers was Barbara's nephews- Kevin Dushane, and Allan Placinski.

In being a poet from the heart, Barb wished to leave you with these two to hold always, next to yours.

"Be Kind"

Spread your Love without a care,                                                Spread your Love, you have plenty to share!

There are so many who have so much,                                           So give and give, don't hold that clutch.

To give of what you have is so dear;                                               That 10 or more you give is clear,

That sharing and caring is all we can do,                                       just put yourself in another's shoes!

You probably don't need half of what you have,                         and giving can only make you happy and glad.

So be kind to one another, brethren;                                                it will take you up the stairs of heaven…

For my three boys, Greg, Jeff and Mark:

"Mom Leaves a Message from Heaven."

This is just a gentle message that we are not so far apart;         for when I left I took each of you from here within my heart.

So as you go about your day,                                                        whether it be hard at work, or outdoors at play,

Just think about my pine tree so lofty, green, and high;             Just lift your heads and look up at the sky.

And although you cannot see me I'm right there,                       I'm forever by your sides,

And someday we will be together again, and I'll see you by and by….

Barb also wanted to sincerely Thank the staff and Angels at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility with ALL her Heart for the very Kind, Compassionate care they extended to her during her short stay with them, Dr. Kroll for her kind compassionate care, Dr. Joel Dank, and especially her favorite Nurse in the whole wide world, Teresa at the Negaunee Medical Clinic for always being there for her when she needed her.   Your compassion, care, and genuine love will not be soon forgotten.   Also, Barb extends big hugs to all of her friends throughout life, and a lifelong friend who regained contact with her later in life from High School, Pat Lakenen. You certainly brought a ray of Sunshine into her life Pat, and for that we are thankful!  She also wanted to thank her lifelong neighbor Billy Swandburg for all of his help, and her neighbors Patty, Kevin and their sweet daughter Kailey for being there for her as her world grew smaller with the passing of family, friends, and other neighbors.  You guys made her feel safe and secure.  There truly are Angels among us here on earth.  One needn't look far.  Look about you!

Barb's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

Barb's Mass of Christian Burial may be livestreamed at ishpemingcatholic.com/live

Love you Mom and "Gram"  Till we all meet again.