WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Barbara A. Fisher, age 90, of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at LaGrange Hospital.
She was born July 28, 1935 in Quincy, Michigan, daughter of the late Louis and Petranella (Kanieski) Supianoski.
She graduated high school from St. Charles Catholic School in Coldwater in 1952.
On June 6, 1953, she married John N. Fisher at St. Charles Catholic Church in Coldwater. They settled in Sturgis in the 1950’s.
She was active in her Church, where she and John both served as Eucharistic Ministers.
Barbara’s love of her community inspired her to become involved in Sturgis government where she served as City Commissioner, Vice Mayor and Mayor of Sturgis for almost 9 years. She also served as a Board Member for the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging.
Alongside her husband John, Barbara enjoyed gardening. She and John had garden plots at the Kiwanis Gardens for decades. Their gardens always produced more than they could eat and preserve so they always had vegetables to share with family, neighbors and friends.
Barbara loved Americana Salmon geraniums. Her home was surrounded each Spring and Summer with many pots of them. The geraniums that grew from her dedication and care produced flowers that almost didn’t look real. There were many times that strangers would stop at their home to ask if the geraniums were real.
Barbara touched the lives of everyone who had the honor of knowing her. She was always checking on elderly and ailing neighbors, taking them lovingly prepared food and other thoughtful items. Her selflessness, warmth, and generous spirit will be remembered forever. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and compassion that lives on in all of us.
She is survived by her husband, John, children, Christi Groom of Paradise, California, Michael (Linda) Fisher of Sturgis, Diane (Gerry) Lantz of Sturgis, and Laurie Gotshall of Las Vegas, 5 grandchildren, Matthew (Ashley) and Andrew Lantz, Cole (Stephanie) and Paul (Kortni) Fisher, and Erik Balcom, five great grandchildren: Tessa, Sadie, Karter, Khaleesi and Kimber and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sons-in-law: Scott Gotshall and Michael Groom, two brothers: Edward Supianoski and Bernard Supianoski, and two sisters, Irene Luxenburger and Margaret Larimer.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 on Monday, February 9th at Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis. The Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be prayed together following the visitation at 7:00. The Funeral Mass celebrating the life of Barbara A. Fisher will begin at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday Feb. 10th at St. Mary’s Assumption Catholic Church, 602 W. Chicago St., Bronson, Michigan. Father Siby George celebrant. A graveside committal will follow the Mass at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to St. Joseph County Animal Control, 652 E. Main Street, Centreville, MI 49032 or St. Joseph County Commission on Aging, 1200 W. Broadway Street, Three Rivers, MI 49093.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
