Barbara Ann Slavin Nizinski left this life for the next on October 22, 2026, at the age of 79.

The eldest daughter of William and Frances (Haire) Slavin, Barbara spent her childhood in Howell, Michigan. She attended St. Joseph Elementary School and graduated from Howell High School in 1965. She earned a B.S. in Dietetics from Michigan State University in 1969 and interned at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota where she was awarded the Outstanding Intern in the spring of 1970.

Returning to Michigan, Barbara pursued a career in hospital dietetics, working at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, and Macomb Community Hospital in Mt. Clemens. She married Ronald Joseph Nizinski of Hemlock in 1977 and they raised one son, Ronald Joseph Nizinski Jr in Royal Oak.

Barbara’s life was dedicated to her faith, her family, and her friends. Her spiritual life always centered around participation in her local parish, volunteering in many capacities, including teaching catechism to elementary school children. She found wisdom, comfort, and direction in her faith and it was a guiding force in all her life experiences.

Barbara loved her family. She cared for her husband Ron during his illness and devoted herself to young Ron’s education, his happiness, and his future. She was particularly proud when he joined the family Spartan legacy. And she loved their travels together to scenic and historic sites. She was an eager participant in every family reunion, wedding, baptism, and baby shower. She reveled in good times and storytelling with her cousins, especially the Pelkeys. She gave generously of her love and attention to all who belonged to her family.

Barbara appreciated the gift of lifelong friendships and treasured her relationships with a tight circle of high school friends. They shared each other’s joys and sorrows and relished the annual get togethers all through adulthood.

Barbara has reunited with her husband, Ron; her parents, Bill and Frances Slavin; and her in-laws, Joe and Frances Nizinski. She will be missed by her son Ron and his wife Ashley (England); her brother Bill and his wife Debbie (Duhame); and her sister Marilyn Brooks. She was loved by her nephew Nathan, his wife Kate (Wiltzer) and their daughters Mikayla and Norah; her niece Emily (Slavin) and her husband Jason Hinkley; and her niece Erin (Brooks) Southwell, her husband Andrew, and their children Vivian and Lennox.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Bob Byrne at St. John XXIII Parish, 151 Saint Mary’s Drive in Hemlock, Michigan on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The family will receive guests at the church at 10 a.m., followed by Mass at 11 a.m., and burial at St. Andrew’s Cemetery in Saginaw immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to donate to The American Cancer Society, The Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of their choice.