Obituary of Barbara Elaine Kubala

June 3, 1943 - May 5, 2026

Barbara Elaine Kubala. Age 82 of Riverview.

Beloved wife of the late Daniel. Loving mother of Paul Anthony (Marcia) Kubala, Michael John (Lisa) Kubala and Brian Matthew (Dawn) Kubala. Dearest grandmother of Alysha (Nick), Curtis (Erika) and Mitchell. Great grandmother of Lennon, Jozlyn, Kaydence, Aubrey, Ramsey, Jaela, Trevor, Braven and Brax. Dear sister of Bernadette (Chuck) Lowe, Sue (Vince) D’Agnillo, the late Tim Sieszputowski and the late Patrick Sieszputowski. Sister in law of Mark (Liz) Kubala, and Barbara Sieszputowski. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions are appreciated to Capuchin Soup Kitchen or Boys Town.

Family Tribute ~ 

“ Barbara Elaine Kubala was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend whose life was rooted in faith, family, and enduring relationships.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Barbara grew up in a close-knit Polish Catholic family alongside her two sisters and two brothers. She carried those strong family values throughout her life, maintaining lifelong bonds with her siblings and cherished friendships dating back to grade school.

She dedicated many years of her career as a radiology technician, but her greatest joy was always her family. In 1964, she married Daniel Kubala, and together they built a loving home, raising their three sons—Paul and Mike (born in 1965) and Brian (born in 1967).

Barbara was a devoted Catholic and a loving, involved mother and grandmother. She welcomed her first grandchild, Alysha, in 1994, and later joyfully welcomed Curtis and Mitchell as her grandsons, embracing them as her own and taking great pride in being part of their growing families. In 2025, she became a proud great-grandmother to Lennon Avery. She never missed an opportunity to celebrate life’s milestones, from weddings to sporting events, and especially treasured time spent with her growing family.

A breast cancer survivor in 2001, Barbara lived with strength and resilience. She found joy in gardening, lunch dates, art fairs, and watching all sports— from golf to football (especially MSU). She also enjoyed walking with neighbors, valuing those simple moments of connection and conversation. She was known for her fabulous cooking, her creativity in crocheting, painting, and making personalized cards, as well as her love of a good deal, stylish outfits, and coordinating jewelry. She was also deeply charitable and generous. 

In her later years, Barbara remained a constant presence in the lives of those she loved, always showing up and making others feel special. She celebrated her 80th birthday surrounded by family and lifelong friends—a testament to the many lives she touched.

Barbara will be remembered for her unwavering love, her strong faith, her honesty, and her ability to make everyone around her feel cared for. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished and the countless memories cherished”