Obituaries

Barbara Jean (Knisel) Harrington, age 73, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 2nd, 2025, in her home. She was born March 11, 1952, in Toledo, Ohio, to Robert and Hilda (Devriendt) Knisel.

Barbara grew up in Blissfield, Michigan, and graduated from Whiteford High School before attending the University of Toledo, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in radiology. She spent her career as a dedicated X-ray and radiology technologist, serving countless patients with compassion, skill, and determination until her retirement in 2019. Those who knew Barbara will remember her tenacity, her resilience, and the depth of care she poured into everything she did.

For many years, Barbara made her home on Sugar Island—a place she treasured deeply. It was there that she built a community of friends who became more like family, creating bonds that shaped her life in meaningful and lasting ways. She loved the quiet beauty of the island and the people who surrounded her there. Though she recently moved to town to be nearer to her doctors, her heart never left the island she adored.

Barbara faced her colon cancer diagnosis with courage and grit, fighting hard every step of the way. Her strength was unmistakable, her resolve unwavering, and even in the toughest moments she held tightly to her love for her family. Ultimately, she succumbed to the disease, but not without showing everyone around her the true definition of bravery.

She was, in every way, “old school”—a little old-fashioned, wonderfully blunt, and never one to leave you guessing about what she thought. Barbara spoke her mind with honesty and clarity. Yet behind that directness was a heart that loved fiercely, loyally, and without hesitation. Her family and friends always knew where they stood with her, and they knew they were loved.

Barbara enjoyed the simple pleasures in life: cheering at the University of Michigan football, listening to Elvis Presley, and spending time bowling. She was talented in many ways, and music was one of her lifelong joys—she loved playing the clarinet, piano, and keyboard.

Barbara is survived by her son, Robert (Heather) LaPointe II of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; her grandchildren, Hannah, Ethan, Logan, and Addeline; her brother, Robert (Elizabeth) Knisel; nephew, Robert (Jessie) Knisel; and nieces, Kelly Morrow (Erin Dunakin) and Taylor (Daniel) Rogers.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, Anthony “Tony” Harrington, as well as her parents, Robert and Hilda Knisel.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Family Life Funeral Homes, 4951 S. M-129, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Service will follow immediately at 4:00 PM.

Barbara will be laid to rest at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, Michigan.

Memorials may be made in Barbara’s honor to Road to Recovery, 1010 S Garfield Avenue, Traverse City, MI 49686.