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Barbara A. Oliver, 89, of Allen Park, MI, formerly of Latrobe, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 14, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, memories, and music that will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. A daughter of the late Joseph L. Harkness and Elmyra Sovich, she was born on June 13, 1937. Barbara was a devoted mother, a loving wife, and a cherished friend. She found joy in the simple things in life, especially spending time with her family and playing the piano. Music was a special part of Barbara’s life, and the sound of her playing created memories that her family will treasure forever. She was a piano teacher for many years and her students’ lives have all been brightened by her. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas in April 2026. She is survived by her loving daughters and sons-in-law, Susanne (Mahmoud) Abu-Rus and Joanne (Kevin) Harris, who will forever carry their mother’s love and memory in their hearts. To her daughters, Barbara was so much more than a mother—she was a source of love, comfort, strength, and guidance. They were her constant priority throughout life. Her presence brought warmth to their lives, and her love, strength and kindness will continue to be a part of them always. Though she is no longer with us, Barbara’s memory will live on through the stories shared, the love she gave, the lessons she taught, and the music she left behind. She was deeply loved, will be greatly missed, and will remain forever in the hearts of her family Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 19th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, family sharing at 5:00 p.m., at the Allen Park Chapel of the Martenson Family of Funeral Homes, 10915 Allen Road, Allen Park, MI 48101. Services will conclude at the Martenson Funeral Home. She will be transported back to her hometown in Belle Vernon where she will be laid to rest in Belle Vernon Cemetery next to her loving husband. Local arrangements have been entrusted to the Ferguson Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 700 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon. 724-929-5300 www.FergusonFuneralHomeandCrematory.com. Donations can be made to the Dearborn Animal Shelter, in her name, 2661 Greenfield Road, Dearborn, Michigan 48121. She was a loving pet owner for many years. Email: friends@dearborn-animals.com; Website: www.dearborn-animals.com

Tributes

Barbara A. Oliver

June 13, 1937 - August 14, 2026