Barbara Coatta

COATTA, Barbara Jane, age 95, went to her heavenly home on July 10, 2021. Just as she lived her amazing life, she passed surrounded by her beloved family.

Barb was born in Indianapolis, IN on July 27, 1925 to Delmore and Helen Nuckles, who moved to Detroit in 1936.  While working at the railroad, Barb met Richard Coatta and they married on May 18, 1946. Together they lived in Royal Oak, where they raised their family on a loving foundation of faith, memory-making camping trips, delicious baked goods, card games and laughs. They moved to Mayville, MI in 1995.

As a homemaker, Barb’s priority was her family and her many friends. Everyone felt her unconditional love, care and dedication. Barb was an avid Detroit Tiger’s fan and rarely missed watching a game. She was the heart of her family whose prayers, cookies and hugs cured many skinned knees, broken hearts and rain-soaked East Jordan camping trips. Possibly keeping several local Hallmarks in business on her own, she had an impeccable memory for sending cards for special occasions, signing every one with her signature “xoxo.” It’s no doubt, she will be dearly missed by many. Barb leaves a strong and lasting legacy of faith to her family as she relied on prayer and Jesus into her final days.

Barb is survived by her children Suzanne McBride, Deana Wallace (Gordon), Richard Coatta Jr. (Mary), Lisa Hamil (George) and Lori Gaines (Steve) and  son-in-law Mitch Olejniczak (Connie). Her grandchildren include Lee, Scott, Joe, Becki, Katie, Kara, Kristen, Michelle, Ricky, Valerie, Kenny, Hannah and Jacob. Barb was blessed with 23 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, many “bonus” stepfamily members and a large extended family and friend group.

Barb was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Coatta Sr.; daughter, Sandra Olejniczak; sons-in-law, Lee Buddy and Michael McBride; brother, Delmore Nuckles Jr.

Visitation will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church 404 N. Dayton St. Davison, MI 48423 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. with a Mass of Christian burial at 2 p.m.  A private interment will take place at Roseland Park Cemetery in Berkley, MI at  a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or The Medical Team Hospice, 4400 S. Saginaw St., Ste 1300, Flint, MI 48507. Arrangements by Sharp Funeral Homes, Linden Chapel, 209 E. Broad St. Linden, MI 48451.

Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.