Barbara J. Cliffel Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Barbara Jean Cliffel, a resident of Huntington Woods, passed away on May 20, 2022 at the age of 76 in Detroit. A daughter of Helen and John Bargiel, she was born on November 12, 1945 in Cleveland, Ohio. Barbara worked as a registered nurse - a career she dreamt of since childhood. Barbara valued hard work and an education, and instilled those values in the three daughters she raised on her own. She was a devoted, fun grandmother who never missed important events in her grandchildren's lives. Barbara never hesitated to go down a slide, jump in a bounce house, or float in a lazy river with her family. Barbara's friendships were made quickly and lasted a lifetime. She cherished her time with friends from all over including those from Holy Name High School, the Crittenton nurses, and most recently a group of friends dubbed the "Driveway Divas." Barbara loved to dance, especially with her life partner, Wayne. Together with friends they loved to travel including places like Mexico, Florida and Panama - a favorite of Barbara's many trips. Happiest in hot weather, Barbara loved to feel the sunshine on her skin and the sand between her toes. Barbara is now dancing joyously in Heaven with her mother, Helen Bargiel; her sister, Christine Day; and her best friend, Wayne Hillman; as well as all those family and friends who have passed before her. Best friend and life partner of the late Robert Wayne Hillman, joined in love for 25 years. Loving mother of Martina Sangin of Evanston, IL; Maureen Cliffel of Huntington Woods, MI; and Michelle VanPeteghem of Powell, OH. Treasured grandmother of Lucabella Sangin, Jacob VanPeteghem, Helena Cliffel Barnett, and Austin VanPeteghem. Dear sister of Paul (Marie) Bargiel of Brook Park, OH and the late Christine (Donald) Day of Kearney, NE. Proud aunt of six nieces and nephews. A visitation for Barbara will be held on Monday, May 30, from 1:00 to 7:00 pm with a Scripture Service and Sharing of Memories at 5:00 pm at Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Directors, 705 W. Eleven Mile Rd., (4 blks E. of Woodward), Royal Oak, 48067. Friends and family will gather on Tuesday, May 31, from 9:30 am until time of Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church, 730 S Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. We will lay my mom, Barbara Cliffel to rest with my grandparents in Cleveland Ohio on Thursday, June 23. We invite our family and friends to join us for a memorial mass and catholic burial service. Mass at 11am local time at Mary Queen of Peace (formerly Our Lady of Good Counsel 4423 Pearl Rd, Cleveland, OH). Burial immediately following at Holy Cross Cemetery (14609 Brookpark Rd, Brook Park, OH). Please visit our website for live streaming of the Scripture Service, Sharing of Memories, and a recording of the Funeral Mass.

Barbara J. Cliffel

November 12, 1945 - May 20, 2022