Obituary of Wendy Ann Barlage

January 21, 1969 - April 7, 2021

Wendy A. Barlage. Age 52 of Riverview.

Wendy A. Grzywa Barlage was born on January 21st, 1969 in Trenton, Michigan – an Aquarius through and through. She was many things throughout her lifetime: an artist, scientist, waitress, manager, and, finally, an excellent and top-earning realtor. Her most important job, though, was her role as a mother and she told everyone so incessantly.

Wendy was creative in the truest sense. She made everything beautiful, especially the homes she made for her children. She was an excellent painter, drawer, and writer, and she was masterful in anything she approached artistically. She loved to travel, especially to the beach – to St. Augustine, Playa Mujeres, Montego Bay, and Barcelona. Perhaps most of all, she adored music – all music. Amy Winehouse, Bob Marley, Carly Simon, Bonnie Raitt, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Kendrick Lamar were among her (many) favorites. She could read books at the speed of light, and her thoughts and opinions were deeply evolved, sophisticated, and nuanced. Her mind was a treasure.

Wendy is survived by her children (Jenna and Andrew Barlage), her father (John and Carol Grzywa), mother (Cheryl Freeman), brother (John Jr. and Kelly Grzywa), sister (Carrie and Jon Martin), and her fiancé, Carlos Garcia, whom she was set to marry on a sailboat this October, as well as her adored nieces and nephews, Kendall, Charlie, Eleanor, and Thomas. She was constantly surrounded by her expansive group of friends, whom she supported and accepted with open arms. She loved her children, Jenna and Drew, most of all. She witnessed them realize their wildest dreams through her unconditional love, support for, and belief in them. She was their best friend, biggest fan, confidant, mentor, and the greatest mother in the world.

Wendy left this earth quickly and peacefully, with everything she’d ever wanted from life. She lived in the image of forgiveness and unconditional love – sophisticated, unconventional, and radically accepting. In her own words, she was an old soul. She will always be around us, as she promised she would be when she left us. She wasn’t one to break promises. She lives on through her children and the many people that she loved.

The family is holding a private celebration of life for Wendy.

 

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a tribute donation to one of the following charities, whose mission Wendy was deeply passionate about.

 

Crossbridge to Recovery

A nonprofit that offers Women a place of awareness, encouragement, and skill building. Wendy volunteered her time with Crossbridge to Recovery. 

 

Donations can be sent via PayPal to: Crossbridgeministry.women@gmail.org

For other donation methods, contact Rose Chambers:
Email: rose.chambers37@yahoo.com
Phone: 734-771-9051
Cell: 313-645-9120

Website: https://rosechambers37.wixsite.com/crossbridgerecovery

 

Shelter to Home

A local animal rescue that saves animals from shelters in our community by placing them into foster care until permanent homes are found.  Wendy loved having dogs and they provided much joy to her family.

 

Donations can be made via the following link: https://sheltertohome.com/donate/

Website: https://sheltertohome.com/

 

Michigan Women Forward

Empowers women and girls to be leaders, inventors, dreamers, and doers. Wendy encouraged all the women in her life to follow their dreams.

 

Homepage: https://miwf.org/

Donation Link: https://miwf.org/get-involved/donate-planned-giving/