Luisa Denzer Barrett

TRAVERSE CITY — Luisa V. Denzer Barrett, 89, of Traverse City, passed away Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, at Munson Medical Center. Oma, as she was known by all of her family and friends, was born on Jan. 9, 1921, in Sacramento, Calif., to the late Philip and Catherine (Hein) Denzer. Oma loved listening to music. While her children were growing up she would play the Saturday morning opera for them to listen to. She always dreamed of becoming an opera singer. She loved all types of music, but especially opera, German music and musicals. Oma also enjoyed dancing. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was very sharp, some would even say witty. Oma had an adventurous soul and even drove herself cross country when she moved to Michigan. Above all else, she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Not only was she their grandma, but she was Oma to all of their friends. She will be deeply missed. Surviving Oma are her children, Philip Barrett, of Ventura, Calif., and Katie (Tom) Richter, of Traverse City; grandchildren, Dana (Kelli) White, Denise (Duane) Seiker, Kurt (Carole) White, Cynthia (Brett) Dewey, Tim (Sally) Woodin, Shelby (David McCool) Richter, Nancy Richter and Philip (Alese) Richter; 11 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by several special close family members and the extended Richter family. Oma was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Barrett; daughter, Gretchen White; and a sister and brother. Visitation for friends and family will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A memorial service celebrating Oma's life will also be held at the funeral home on Friday, Nov. 19, at 2 p.m. Deacon Rene Hoenscheid will preside. Memorial contributions in Oma's honor may be directed to the Commission for the Blind or to the Cherryland Humane Society. Please visit the online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with Oma's family. The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Luisa Denzer Barrett

November 13, 2010