Barbara G. Marsiglio

Barbara G. Marsiglio, age 79, longtime resident of Northville, formerly of Livonia, passed away on September 13, 2026. She was born on October 13, 1946, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, daughter of Howard and Mary (Young) Behr. Barbara was united in marriage to Joseph J. Marsiglio on June 20, 1985. Together, they shared 41 wonderful years of marriage, lovingly devoted to one another and building a life filled with cherished memories.

Barbara began her high school years at Bentley High School and later graduated from Franklin High School. She continued her education at the University of Michigan, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business, followed by an MBA from the University of Detroit. A lifelong learner with an enduring curiosity, Barbara strived to expand her knowledge throughout her life. She continued to nurture her love of learning by taking community Spanish courses and classes at Schoolcraft College, even attending an immersive Spanish camp to further develop her language skills.

Barbara taught accounting and typewriting at Plymouth Schools before joining Dorsey Business School, where she worked for several years. After earning her master’s degree, Barbara began a long and successful career with General Motors, joining the Cadillac Motor Car Division as a financial analyst. Throughout her career, she continued to grow within the company, taking on positions of increasing responsibility with North American Operations before moving into international marketing. She ultimately retired from Buick in 2002 as Manager of International Marketing.

Barbara was a woman of strong convictions who cared deeply about women’s rights and civic involvement. She participated in demonstrations in Washington, D.C. and played an important role in the early organization of the Democratic Club of Northville. Above all, Barbara had a caring heart and a natural instinct to put the needs of others before her own. She generously gave her time to Beacon School, working with children with emotional and behavioral needs and served on the board of First Step, an organization supporting survivors of domestic violence. Whether caring for someone personally, volunteering in her community or standing up for causes important to her, Barbara lived with compassion, determination and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Barbara’s spiritual life was an important and evolving part of who she was. A lifelong seeker, she approached faith with curiosity and an open mind. She maintained a regular meditation practice, attended spiritual retreats and developed a particular interest in Buddhism and its teachings, even having the memorable opportunity to see the Dalai Lama. She also sought insight from spiritual teachers and became involved with the Church of Today. Her spiritual journey reflected her deep capacity for reflection and her desire to understand different paths to faith, meaning and connection. In later years, she found a spiritual home at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, where she became an active and devoted member of the parish community.

At St. Kenneth, Barbara faithfully served as an usher for many years. She enjoyed being part of the church community and especially treasured the fellowship she found there. Barbara was a familiar face at many of the parish’s social gatherings, attending Advent dinners, picnics and other special events whenever she could. Her faith and the friendships she formed through the church remained an important part of her life.

Barbara also had an adventurous spirit and a tremendous love of travel. She journeyed around the world, eager to experience different countries, cultures and religions. Her travels took her throughout Europe and Asia, as well as to Russia, the Middle East and Oceania. Among her many memorable adventures were hiking across glaciers in New Zealand and riding elephants in Thailand. Her career also provided opportunities to travel frequently to Europe and the Middle East. Closer to home, she explored destinations throughout North America and especially enjoyed her adventures in Scottsdale, Arizona. Wherever she traveled, Barbara embraced the opportunity to experience and learn something new. Staying active was equally important to Barbara. She enjoyed walking, hiking and running and was passionate about exercise and maintaining her strength throughout her life.

Creative and talented, Barbara was an accomplished knitter who made beautiful, high-quality socks, hats, sweaters and many other pieces. Later in life, she discovered another creative outlet through painting and enjoyed taking art classes to develop her skills.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Joseph Marsiglio; her children, Jacquelyn (James) Baxter, Kendra (Kenneth) Goolsby, Larry Johnson, and Renee (Daniel) Raven; her grandchildren, Kaitlyn Baxter, Michelle (Zac) Marshbanks, Tori Baxter, Kyla (Simon) Levenson, Kit Goolsby, Kade Johnson, Kennedy Bingham, Jessica Bingham and Xavier Raven; her great grandchildren, Jimmy, Ellie, Lucas, Charlotte, Luna and Grayson; her siblings, James DiFalco, Richard (Trish) DiFalco, Howard (Carol) Behr, and Linda Harris; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Mary Jane Danko.

The visitation will be held Monday, September 21, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. The Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at Noon, instate beginning at 11:30 a.m. at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 North Haggerty Road, Plymouth. She will be laid to rest at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Yawkey Center, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA https://fundraise.massgeneralbrigham.org/barbaramarsiglioCAA , Planned Parenthood Federation of America, PO Box 97166, Washington DC, 20090, or American Civil Liberties Foundation, PO Box 97396, Washington DC, 20077