Carmen Jo Barwikowski

March 9, 1950 - November 26, 2021

Carmen Jo Barwikowski, age 71, of Cedarville, Michigan, died November 26, 2021. She was born March 9, 1950, in Hazen, Arkansas, to Richard Dinsdale and Doris LaVon (Horton) Rochelle. Carmen spent her first year of life in Arkansas before her family moved to Belleville, Michigan seeking a better opportunity. She graduated from Belleville High School in 1967. She met John Barwikowski after he was discharged from the army in 1967. They became good friends and started dating in 1968. After a year they were smitten with each other and married September 20, 1969. Together they raised their children, Jason, and Joy. Carmen decided to go back to school and attended Oakland Community College, often with one of her young children in tow. Her hard work paid off and she earned an associate degree in Computer Science, which led to a thirty-year career as an IT specialist for Brighton schools. Carmen enjoyed being outdoors and could often be found soaking up the sun on her porch or working in her garden, overlooking the bay. She and her family would go camping, canoeing, and kayaking together. Carmen made sure her garden was the most inviting place for birds, bees, and butterflies. She also loved her indoor activities: reading fantasy novels, crocheting afghans, scarves, and hats for family and friends, cross stitching, listening to live music, and dancing. Those that knew her, knew her talent and sass on the dance floor! Carmen is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, John; their children, Jason (Carly Laws) Barwikowski of Hood River, Oregon; Joy (David) Herbst of Fairfield, Connecticut, and her cherished grandchildren, Ari Herbst, Benjamin Herbst, Rowley Barwikowski and Foley Barwikowski; her dear sisters, Denise (James) Oltersdorf of Chino Valley, Arizona, and Donna (Randall) Rochelle of Peoria, Arizona; brother-in-law, Gerald (Linda) Barwikowski of Ann Arbor, Michigan; and sisters-in-law, Janel Sowa of Chelsea, Michigan, Jeanie Barwikowski of Commerce Township, Michigan, and Diane Barwikowski of Roscommon, Michigan. Carmen was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Doris; her brother, Richard Rochelle Jr., and brothers-in-law, Robert Barwikowski and Lawrence Barwikowski. A memorial gathering will be held December 3, 2021, at Galer Funeral Homes in Pickford, Michigan, from 11:00 AM to 1:00PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice that helps to support and fulfill the mental health needs of women.