Barbara Willing

Barbara J. Willing, a very brilliant, stubborn, yet admired woman, peacefully passed in the evening of Sunday, March 15th, year of Our Lord 2026, during the March blizzard of 2026. She was beside people whom she adored.

Barbara was born on October 1st, 1952 in Warren, Michigan. In 1970 she graduated from Warren-Mott High School, where she was very respected and known to be a beautiful french horn player in their band. She also loved playing flute and piano duets with her daughter.

Barbara was diagnosed with a heart condition in the fall of 2021. Doctors said if she lived 6 months longer it would be a miracle. She was a miracle, thanks be to God and prayer, because she lived 4 and a half years longer. She didn’t sit still after her diagnoses, soon after she was back in the courtroom advocating for the People of Traverse City to have a vote for a 3.6 million dollar fiber project.

Barbara was a devoted mother who loved coaching soccer for her children. There wasn’t a task Barbara wouldn’t attempt. She truly was a “jack of all trades”. When something needed to be done, she did it. Whether it be fixing a faucet, changing a tire, writing a subpoena or real estate document, etc. If it needed to be done, she did it, and did it flawlessly.

Barbara worked as a private investigator for many years and went on to be known as an advocate for many, it was her calling. She absolutely loved being able to advocate for others who may not be able to advocate for themselves, whether it was a medical or legal advocate, someone needing a home, food or just a friend, she was always there to help.

Barbara was the host of a radioshow in Detroit for many years called Suburban Whistle Blowers at WPON 1460 AM. She interviewed many high profile individuals. She brought many important situations into public light. She was an “Erin Brochovich”.

She was admired by many people because she made a huge difference in people's lives.

Barbara will be missed by her partner K A Foss, her children, Aaron (Kaitlyn) Willing, Emily Kuchmuk (Raffaelle), David and Jon (Jocelyn) Raffaelle and her beloved grandchildren, Hudson, Croix, Ezra, Tobias and Haven-Grace Willing, Max and Augustus Kuchmuk, Naia, Eden, Elora and Remington Raffaelle. Her friends, especially her neighbor, Jeff Oleson, will also deeply miss Barbara.

Barbara is preceded in death by her late husband, Albert Raffaelle and her son-in-law, Ben Kuchmuk.

A wake will be held in honor of Barbara at 2 pm on Friday, June 12th, 2026 at Wakulat Dr, Peninsula Township, Michigan. For more information, please email: jf130willinga@gmail.com.

Barbara’s family would appreciate it if you would visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts, stories and more.