Barbara Kathryn (Blakeslee) Brunett of Novi, Michigan, passed away peacefully on
January 22, 2026, at the age of 88. She was born in Detroit, Michigan, on April 16,
1937. She was the daughter of the late Francis Russell Blakeslee and Kathryn
Blakeslee.
Barb grew up in Detroit with her elder sister, Sue. She attended Presentation High
School and received a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Detroit.
It was here that she met Patrick who she married on June 19, 1959. She continued her
educational pursuit at Marygrove College, where she received a Master's degree in
Special Education and dedicated 23 years serving as a teacher in the Novi Community
Schools.
Upon retirement, Barb served as a data collector for federal government studies
including the Census, the National Institute of Health, the National Assessment of
Educational Progress, and the National Inmate Study. In addition, she volunteered at
the Novi Public Library, Holy Family Parish and Sinai-Grace Hospital.
Barb found joy in life through reading, traveling, solving crossword puzzles and
socializing with friends. Her greatest joy, however, was always her family. She was a
quiet but strong presence who gently provided guidance to her children, grandchildren
and great grandchildren, attended their school events, and supported them in times of
need.
This year, Barb and Pat celebrated 66 years of marriage, which meant they often
remained the last ones on the dance floor at weddings when they participated in the
"who's been married the longest?" dance. Living their promise to love and cherish one
another, Barb and Pat's marriage served as a role model for the marriages of their
children. Barb will be remembered most for the way she loved us all —unconditionally, and with
her whole heart.
Barbara is survived by her beloved husband Patrick Brunett, her loving children, Maureen (Glen) Malone; Patrick (Diana) Brunett; Kathleen (Gary) Zaguroli; Margaret (Brian) Bellhorn; Karen (Duane) Dudas and Kimberly (Ross) Martin, 16 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and her sister, Sue Anne Reilly.
A visitation will take place on Tuesday, January 27 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the
O'Brien-Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Ave Novi, MI 48375.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 28, at 10:00 a.m. (in state at
9:30 a.m.) in Holy Family Parish, 24505 Meadowbrook Rd. Novi, MI 48375. A livestream is available at Holy Family Novi You Tube select live. A luncheon will take place after the mass.

Donations may be made to Daughters of Charity, International Project Services in Barbara's honor
( https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=4GXNDRRMCUSK6 ).

Please keep Barbara and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult
time.