Henriksen, Barbara Jean 11/29/1953 - 8/20/2021, Montague, MI

Barbara J. (McConnell) Henriksen ("Barb" or "Gaga"), age 67, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on August 20, 2021 at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI. She was born on November 29, 1953 in Muskegon, MI to James D. McConnell and Evelyn J. (Sobish) McConnell Buchanan.

Barb was one in a million, beautiful inside and out. A force of nature, she was compassionate, strong, hard-working, and so much fun! Barb had the most kind and generous heart - always helping others before herself. She was a beloved second mother to many of our childhood friends and opened her home for most of her siblings to crash on her couch at some point throughout the years.

Barb attended Mona Shores High School and resided in the picturesque White Lake area (Montague, MI) for most of her adult life. She took pride in her work as an Aerospace Inspector at Howmet for 35 years, often working extra hours to support her family.

Most importantly, Barb LOVED spending time with her family. Her two children and five grandchildren (the "Gagas") were the absolute loves of her life. She was our rock, gathering everyone together to enjoy her wonderful cooking for holidays, summertime fish fries, and backyard bonfires. If that wasn't enough to keep her busy, Barb also enjoyed traveling to the Caribbean and Hawaii on 17 fabulous cruises, camping up at Whiskey Creek, shopping for purses and other good bargains, cheering at ball games and attending concerts at the local band shell.

Barbara is survived by her children Kelly Henriksen and Phillip (Nikki) Henriksen, Jr.; grandchildren Brock, Trey, Gage, Kane and Coy; siblings Jeffrey (Barb) McConnell, Patrick McConnell, Robin (Kevin) Zahniser, Elden Buchanan, Lisa (Tom) Fine; long-time companion George Beckwith, Sr. and his son George Beckwith, Jr.; ex-husband and good friend Phillip Henriksen, Sr.; stepfather James Buchanan; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving parents James D. McConnell and Evelyn J. Buchanan, as well as her brothers James D. McConnell, Jr. and Michael L. McConnell; and sister Sharon McConnell.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE for Barb will be held on September 11 from Noon to 3pm at Ross Park in Norton Shores, MI. To leave a memory you have of Barb, to sign her guestbook or for directions, please visit https://www.obriensullivanfuneralhome.com