Barbara Ducas

Barb was born in Ishpeming, on November 24, 1943, a daughter of the late Mary (Niemi) and Ernest DeCaire. She grew up in Ishpeming and was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1961. Barb went on to earn her degree in teaching (BS) from NMU in 1965, and then a master’s degree in elementary education from NMU in 1973. Barb worked in the NICE School District as a 3rd grade teacher for over 30 years, at National Mine and later the Aspen Ridge School, retiring in 2001.

Barb was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming where she was a member of the Ladies Guild. Barb had also taught in the CCD (Faith Formation) program for several years. Following her retirement, Barb’s passion for teaching continued as she tutored students. She was a member of the Ishpeming VFW Auxiliary. Barb enjoyed playing Bingo along with trips to the Casino with her sister Nancy.

Survivors include her son Alan (Theresa) Harris of Champion; nephew John (Heidi) Heikkila of Ishpeming; two great nieces – Natalie and Stephanie. She was preceded in death by her husband Melvin “Lou” Ducas in 2005; 2 sisters – Lois Arsenault and Nancy DeCaire.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming with Rev. Fr. Ryan Ford officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00am until the time of the Mass on Thursday. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

The Mass will be livestreamed, which can be found at ishpemingcatholic.com/live beginning at 10:50am on Thursday, Oct 29th. If attending the visitation or service, please adhere to social distancing and the wearing of a mask due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Memorials may be directed to the St. Joseph Memorial Fund, 1889 Prairie Ave., Ishpeming, MI 49849 in memory of Barb.

Barb’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie .com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.