Barbara A. Hubling

Barbara Anne Hubling (Hosking), aged ninety, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025, after a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease. She is survived by her husband, Robert Ernest Hubling, and is predeceased by her parents, Winnifred and Richard Hosking, her brother, Robert Hosking, and her sister, Elaine Merritt.

Barb was born in 1935 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She graduated from Toronto Teachers’ College and taught in Toronto public schools for 13 years. Additionally, she attended York University. In 1972, Barb married Bob, relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and became a proud mother to Paul Hubling, Jane (Craig) Pilditch, and Anne Hubling. The union changed her life and her family for the better, filling their lives with love, support, and kindness.

Barb was known for her humor, good character, and loving nature. Faith was important in Barb’s life, and she was most recently a member of Forest Hills Presbyterian Church. Barb enjoyed music and was a choir member at church throughout her life. She was well-read, skilled at painting, knew the names of any flower or plant, and relished the challenge of daily crossword puzzles. Barb gave to her community through volunteering in the Kentwood public schools and Women’s Club and was a member of the Grand Rapids Chapter CU-PEO. Later in life, Barb enjoyed extensive travel with Bob, exploring many areas in the United States and abroad. Bonita Springs, Florida, became a second home and was enjoyed by Barb during the cold winter months.

In addition to her husband and children, Barb is survived by her grandchildren, Colin (Rebekah) Pilditch, Michael Pilditch, Joshua (Tiantian) Anderson, and Laurel Anderson. Barb was loved by her many nieces and nephews and remained close to them.

A memorial service will be held on September 13, 2025, at 11am at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church, 7495 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Barbara A. Hubling to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Michigan Chapter.

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