Greta Karen Barrett

Karen was born June 7, 1939 in Newberry, Michigan to Harry and Edith (Hoberg) Westrich and graduated from Stephenson High School, Class of 1957. She then earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Northern Michigan University in 1961.

Karen married Jack Barrett in 1963, eventually settling in Marquette in 1967 and finally in Negaunee in 1977. She was a school teacher in Tawas City, Whittemore, Rogers City and Reed City before becoming a stay-at-home Mom for their sons, Chris and Jeff, and a devoted homemaker for her husband.

Mrs. Barrett was a talented pianist and organist, playing at both Marquette United Methodist Church and Negaunee’s Mitchell United Methodist Church. She was an exceptional painter and her rosemaling works adorn many homes and camps around the state and country. Karen loved to sew and collect sewing machines and create all manner of clothing, blankets and quilts. In her later years, she was very active with the Negaunee Friends of the Library. She absolutely loved cooking and hosting family and friends at home, and also loved meeting friends for lunch or picnics in the park. One of her favorite places was her family cottage on Lake Gogebic in Bergland.

Surviving are her husband of 60 years, Jack Barrett; sons: Chris (Mary) Barrett of Vicksburg, MI and Jeff Barrett of Moran, MI; brothers: Harry (Barb) Westrich of Powers, MI and David (Connie) Westrich of Stephenson; sister, Linnea Munn of Cedar Springs, MI; along with many, many, friends and ‘adopted’ kids who all knew her simply as ‘Mom B.’ She is already greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-3 pm on Thursday at Koskey Funeral Home in Negaunee. Family and friends are then welcomed to gather at the Barrett family home for a reception. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Karen’s memory to UPAWS at upaws.org.

Mrs. Barrett’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.