Barbara J. Deck

November 6, 1940 - October 15, 2026

Barbara J. (Grogan) Deck, 85, of Novi, Michigan, passed away on October 15, 2026.

Born November 6, 1940, in Danville, Illinois, to Elmer Grogan and Kathryn Josephine (McNicholas) Grogan, Barbara spent much of her adult life in the Dearborn area before making Novi her home for the past 28 years.

Though petite in stature, Barbara possessed extraordinary strength, determination, and courage. She raised five children on her own, meeting life's challenges with fierce independence and an unwavering commitment to her family. Her children always knew that their mother would be in their corner.

Once her children reached middle school and high school, Barbara returned to school herself, earning her teaching degree and beginning a career in education that would span nearly 30 years. She taught history and special education, spending most of her career at Garden City High School in Garden City, Michigan. Her years in the classroom reflected her perseverance, sharp intellect, and dedication to helping young people learn and grow.

Barbara had a wonderfully quick wit and a genuine love of laughter. She could find humor in everyday situations and had a gift for delivering a perfectly timed remark. Her sense of humor lives on in her children, several of whom inherited that unmistakable part of her personality.Barbara also found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved flowers and gardening, eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring and summer after Michigan's long winters. A devoted sports fan, she loved watching Detroit Tigers baseball and University of Michigan football, enthusiastically cheering on her teams and never hesitating to share her opinions when the games weren't going their way. She enjoyed discussing the latest games with family and sharing in the excitement of a victory. Barbara also loved dining out, with Red Lobster and Olive Garden among her favorite places to enjoy a meal.

An animal lover throughout her life, Barbara was rarely without a cat or two for companionship. She also held a special place in her heart for Murphy, her beloved white German Shepherd.

Above all, Barbara will be remembered as a woman of remarkable resilience and spirit. Through hard work, sacrifice, and determination, she built a life for her family and left her children and grandchildren a lasting example of courage, independence, and love.

Barbara is survived by her five children, Jeffrey (Susan), Michael (Annie), Tiffany (Jim), Richard (Serena), and Tammy (Jason); and her eight grandchildren, Elizabeth, Aubrey, Joshua, Jonathan, Olivia, Gabrielle, Julia, and Madison.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer Grogan and Kathryn Josephine (McNicholas) Grogan; and her three older brothers, Howard, Raymond, and Donald Grogan.

A Catholic funeral service will be held at St. James Catholic Church in Novi on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Barbara's memory to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America or to the Michigan Humane Society, two organizations whose missions reflect causes close to her family's heart.

Barbara's strength, humor, and love will remain a lasting part of the lives she touched and the family she raised.

Alzheimer's Association : https://www.alz.org

Michigan Humane Society https://www.michiganhumane.org