1933-2018

Barbara Ann (Renton) Charboneau, 85, of Cheboygan, Michigan, died peacefully at home on December 27, 2018. She was born to George and Helen Renton in Detroit on April 18, 1933. She attended St. Joseph Academy in Adrian and Visitation High School in Detroit. Barbara remembered the Academy fondly, especially Sister Marcella Gardner, OP, who taught her the adage, “Once a Dominican, always a Dominican.” Those words resonated throughout her life.

Barbara married Gerald Charboneau Sr. on April 21, 1951. Together, they raised four children. 

Barbara was a very active member of St. Mary/St. Charles Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cheboygan, serving as a Eucharist minister, sacristan, and lector. She was also active in the Cursillo movement and a member and Past Regent of the Cheboygan Circle of Daughters of Isabella. Barbara attended Mass daily, prayed the Liturgy of the Hours, and enjoyed a silent retreat each year.

Barbara enjoyed visiting with the homebound, being with other people, and spending time with family. She became an Adrian Dominican Associate in 1990, after being mentored by Sister Patricia Janowicz, OP. She was also a good friend of Sister Lucy Ann Quinn, OP.

In the past few years, both Barbara’s husband and son died before her own health began to be of concern.  

Barbara is survived by her daughter Nancy (Charboneau) Reiner of Cheboygan, Michigan; sons Richard (Wendy) Charboneau of Essexville, Michigan, and Chris Charboneau of Madison Heights, Michigan; daughter-in-law Celeste Charboneau of Cheboygan, Michigan; grandchildren Dennis (Abby) Reiner, Rebecca (Eric) Lee, Gerald III, Dan, Amy, and Emily Charboneau, and Mandy and Matt (Liz) Charboneau; five great-granddaughters; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless treasured friends. 

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; her parents; brother, Donald; and son, Gerald Charboneau Jr. 

Barbara’s funeral was celebrated on December 31, 2018, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Online condolences may be made here.