Barbara was one of seven children and graduated from Saint Mary’s High School in 1959. She later attended Northwestern Michigan College, pursuing a career in nursing and maintained her license for 25 years.

In 1965, Barbara married the love of her life, Edward “Ed” Fleis. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in January with family and friends. Together, they raised four children and were blessed with eleven grandchildren.

Ed’s career required several relocations— from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Sanford, North Carolina in 1976, then to Orlando, Florida in 1980, and finally to Melbourne, Florida in 1982. Barbara faced the challenges of each move with grace, quickly forming new friendships in every community.

Barbara had a passion for music and dancing. She enjoyed bowling and played in a league for about ten years. In Sanford, she took up golf, joined a league, and became quite competitive. She won first place in on of her league tournaments. Known for her long-distance drives, she was often sought after for mixed league golf outings.

A gifted cook and baker, Barbara especially loved preparing her specialty dishes during the holidays. She was a devoted homemaker, deeply proud of her children and grandchildren, sharing with them a profoundly loving and mutual bond.

Barbara was active in her Catholic Church community. She prepared 2nd grade students for Reconciliation and 1941 ~ 2025

First Communion at St Stephen parish in Sanford and taught CCD classes at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Melbourne, preparing 7th and 8th graders for Confirmation. She was a regular presence at her children’s sporting and extracurricular events. She also loved to travel and explore new places.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Richard Hodge; and her sister-in-law, Mary Ann Duperon.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Edward; her daughter, Michelle (Kyle) Mackinnon; and sons, Jeffrey (Kerry) Fleis, Jerry (Chris) Fleis, and Brian (Kristin) Fleis. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Brenna (John) D’Alessandro, Katlyn Fleis, Matthew Fleis, Zachary Fleis, Jessica Fleis, Scott (Becca) Mackinnon, Lainey Mackinnon, Alex Fleis, Jack Mackinnon, Gabriel Fleis, and Beau Fleis. She also leaves behind her siblings: Mary Lou (Stephen) Mikowski, Donald Duperon, Wilfred (Lisa) Duperon, Robert (Lucinda) Duperon, and Steven ( Jane) Duperon, along with many sistersand brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.

The wake will be held on Thursday evening, July 24, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Beckman-Williamson Funeral Homes in Rockledge. The funeral Mass will take place at St. John the Evangelist Church in Viera on Friday, July 25, at 11:00 a.m., with a viewing beginning at 10:00 a.m. The service will be livestreamed https:// www.youtube.com/live/cNzVQN3gu9E A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at Holy Rosary Church on August 1st at 5:45pm. A private family gathering will be held at the Church after the Service.

Your prayers are appreciated.