Barbara Jean Vincent, age 77, of Grand Rapids, passed away Thursday, February 27, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Vincent; and parents, Jean and James DenBraber. Barbara is survived by her children, Michael (Crystal) Jankowski, Marcus (Chelsea) Jankowski; grandchildren, Krysta (Dustin) Ransom, Nathan (Michaela) Jankowski, Patrick Ortiz, Michael Jankowski, Kendra Jankowski, Sohaila Jankowski; great-grandchildren, Piper Ransom, Zayla Jankowski, Cora Ortiz, Emery and Jasper Jankowski; brother, Jim DenBraber; and several nieces and nephews. Barbara worked as a nurse aid, but above all things loved being a grandma. She had many pen pals across the world mailing letters and cards. Barbara loved coloring, crafts, and going to zoos with the grandkids. She was known for her great sense of humor and her love for animals, having many cats and dogs of her own over the years. Visitation will be held 10 am Thursday, March 6, 2025, with funeral service at 11 am at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Sloan Inns officiating. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to Van Andel Institute for cancer research at 333 Bostwick Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Barbara Jean Vincent
10/16/1947
02/27/2025
2 Responses
To my dearest friend Barb. You were kind and caring with a beautiful smile. I got to know you through Mike and Crystal mentioning you would like a pen pal. And that was the start of a lovely friendship over the seas. Your letters always made me smile, pictures of you and your cat and all your family stories. And we even had our very first face to face chat over facetime on a Christmas morning.
You my lovely lady will be dearly missed by all who knew you. I am very honoured to have had you as my friend.
All my love Rusty “your Welsh Daughter” as you called me. Goodnight God Bless you.
My love and prayers to all your family. Xxx
Your other Grand children will miss you as well, Schiann Engle and Brandon Engle.
You were always a wonderful Grandma to them and a wonderful Momma to me.
We love you and miss you. I will miss our talks and Sunny’s that we sent back and forth!
Rest well momma💜 Robin, Dan, Shy and Brandon