Barbara May Pifer-Bach

Barbara May Pifer-Bach was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 9th, 1927, and was raised by her beloved parents, Roy & Irene Pifer, of Livonia Michigan. Barbara passed away peacefully in her home on April 22nd, 2016, in Kirkland, Washington at the age of 88. As a young woman living in Detroit, Barbara met an aspiring artist, Robert James Bach, they fell madly in love and married in 1947. They built a home in Farmington, Michigan and raised three children together. Then, adventurous as they were, they immigrated to New Zealand to work, explore, and create in this far-off land. Returning to the states, they moved north to Glen Lake, Michigan and built a lovely home and studio on the lake. In 1980 they moved to Seattle, Washington to stay close to their children and their grandchildren to come. After living and working in Seattle for 16 years, they relocated to the Bellingham area to retire and enjoy their golden years. They often combined travel with art, painting oils and watercolors throughout the Pacific Northwest and in France. The love of her life for over 60 years, Barbara’s husband Robert passed away in 2007. Barbara remained in Bellingham, living independently, until April of 2015, when her family helped her move to Kirkland, Washington to live out her last days. Barbara was a talented artist. As a young woman, she enjoyed drawing, painting and making pottery. After moving to the Traverse City area in 1973, she opened her own pottery shop, Hummingbird Pottery, and over the years entered many shows and exhibits, displaying her works of art in galleries too numerous to mention. She was most well known for her bronze sculptures of later years. Working in her studio brought her many hours of fulfillment and joy. Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and by her brother, Russell Pifer. She is survived by her daughter Diane Bach; her son James Bach; her son Thomas Bach; her brother Richard Pifer; along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will also be very much missed by her dear friends Myra Zylstra, Ruth Rycroft, Beverley Rodriguez, Zeny Kreyer, and her niece Debbie Wright, who all meant so very much to her. Everyone knew Barbara as a happy, kind-hearted and talented individual. She will be missed more than words can fully express. An open-house celebration of life reception will be held on Saturday, June 4th from 1pm to 4pm at Moles Farewell Tributes, on Lakeway Drive in Bellingham. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to The National Resources Defense Council, Whatcom Hospice, Planned Parenthood, or a local charity of your choice.

Barbara May Pifer-Bach

December 9, 1927 - April 22, 2016