Barbara Tokarski, 92

Barbara Elizabeth (Hiemstra, Norton) Tokarski, age 92, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Edgewood Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Barbara spent her early years in Cass and St. Joseph Counties and graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1949. She was part owner of the then Windmill Restaurant, but also worked in many restaurants around the area before her retirement.

Barbara was a loving wife to Leon and an amazing mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, caring for, supporting and teaching all her fantastic recipes and many life lessons while bringing joy at beautifully planned and shared get-togethers for birthdays, holidays and much more.

Barbara loved her life on the family farm, helping to raise primarily Hereford cattle and poultry, while adoring the company of many cherished dogs and cats. She truly had a green thumb, whether for flower or vegetable gardening, and created and cared for many beautiful gardens on the farm and elsewhere. She was a long-time member and office holder in the Three Rivers Club of Little Gardens. Barbara was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and enjoyed serving the congregation for its many events. She also appreciated traveling to see family and sights around the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Barbara was preceded in death by husband Leon, parents, two brothers, Royce and Harold Douglas, one sister, Joyce, and granddaughter, Crystal Tokarski. She leaves to cherish her loving memory one son, Gerald (Ann Patton) Tokarski, of Centreville; four daughters, Carol Tokarski, of New Bern, N.C.; Diane Pahl, of Three Rivers; Debra (Jeff Yourick) Yourick, of Dayton, Md.; and Karen (Tom Morell) Tokarski, of Spring Lake; six grandchildren, Katrina, Leanna, Evan, Miranda, Isabelle, and Iris and one great-grandchild, Weston Tokarski.

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 215 N. Main St., Three Rivers. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 at the church with Pastor Tim Raakman officiating.

Online condolences may be shared at www.hohnerfh.com.