Barbara Ann Liwo

Barbara Ann Liwo passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025, after a short illness. Her beloved only child, Karl J. Liwo, was at her side. She was 84. Barbara was a quiet woman of deep faith, who truly cared for the people in her life. She loved her family, her church and her dogs. Barbara was born on June 24, 1940, to Walter and Angeline (Oniszko) Knurek of Toledo, OH, while they lived in Columbus, OH. She attended Central Catholic High School and went on to graduate from Mary Manse College. At a Knights of Columbus picnic, she met the love of her life, John D. “Jack” Liwo. Together they shared 52 years of marriage until his death in 2015. Barbara was a math teacher at her alma mater, Central Catholic High School, and later worked at Little City in Palatine, IL, helping developmentally delayed adults learn money and life skills. In her later years, she returned to teaching math at Focus Hope in Detroit. Barbara was active in her parish, St. Rene Goupil, and loved to participate in the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. She had many dogs in her lifetime and she shared a special bond with each of them. Barbara was the dear mother of Karl J. Liwo (Elizabeth McNamara), of Melrose, MA, and much loved grandmother to Lt. Brian P. Liwo, USN, of Hanford, CA. She will be remembered fondly by her brother, Robert Knurek (Rozanna) of St. Clair Shores, MI. She was the cherished aunt and godmother to Janet Haworth (Roger) of Clinton Township, MI - who Barbara thought of as a daughter - and aunt of Sean Knurek (Jessica) of Swartz Creek, MI. She was also grand aunt and godmother to Nicholas Haworth, and grand aunt to Joshua Haworth, Kayleigh Haworth and Victor Knurek. She remained especially close to Jack’s late cousin, Diane Kovach of Toledo, OH, and to Randolph Wales of Holland, OH, surviving spouse of his late cousin, Anne Wales. Service information: Visitation at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8th, at St. Rene Goupil Parish, 35955 Ryan Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48310. A Funeral Mass will follow at 9:30 a.m., with interment thereafter at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township, MI.

Barbara Ann Liwo

June 24, 1940 - April 1, 2025