Barbara \"Barb\" Sine
July 8, 1954 – January 4, 2026
The family will receive friends at the Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 1:00PM to 3:00PM with a prayer service beginning at 3:00PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 12, 2026, beginning at 11:00AM, at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 1150 W Centre Ave. Portage, MI 49024, with Fr. Mark Vyverman officiating. Interment will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes, Kairos Dwelling, or the Animal Rescue Project, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Barbara Jo Sine (née Kalman), age 71, entered eternal rest on January 4, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Her loving family was at her side. She was born in Holland, MI, on July 8, 1954, the daughter of the late Vincent and Natalie Kalman. Barb was a kind and compassionate woman whose gentle smile and caring nature made her a joy to know. Barb never had an unkind word to say and took a genuine interest in the concerns of those around her. Her faith and family were the foundation of her life, and she will be forever remembered as a loving mother and wife.
Barb graduated from Holland High School in 1972. She then went on to Nazareth College in Kalamazoo, where she graduated in 1976 majoring in Biology. She started a rewarding career spanning decades as a Lab Tech at Upjohn (later Pharmacia and then Pfizer) in Kalamazoo shortly after her college graduation. She left Pfizer in 2008, and later began working at Kalsec as a Lab Tech. In 2019, Barb retired from Kalsec to focus on family and traveling.
On January 15, 1983, she married Max L. Sine who survives. Together, they both lived a rich life and enjoyed many hobbies and socializing with close friends. In the winter months, she enjoyed skiing, decorating the home for the holidays, and hosting family for dinners. During the warmer months, she actively gardened and hiked along nature trails. Regardless of the season, she loved traveling and sharing stories about her visits to her favorite places such as Canada, Ireland, France, and Germany.
Also surviving are her loving daughters, Teresa and Sara (Anthony) Sine; two siblings, Alice and Mary Ann (Thomas); and many loving nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends. She was also preceded in passing by a brother, Henry (Margaret) Kalman.
Teresa, While I did not have the privilege of knowing your mom, I do know that she raised an intelligent and compassionate daughter which is a true reflection of her as a mother. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. With heartfelt sympathy, Roni
Teresa – My sincere condolences to you and your family. While I never met her, she sounds like a truly wonderful person. You and your family have been blessed to have her. May the memories get you through these tough days. Sending my thoughts and prayers. Virtual hugs, Terri
Max, We are so very sorry for the loss of Barb. She was such a joy to know. We enjoyed getting to know her. Despite her many trials with her back, she always had an upbeat attitude. Never a cross word or negative thought. She will be missed by all of us. Please know that you and the girls are in our thoughts. Donna Bennett BMW Motorcycle Club of Battle Creek
Max, So sorry to read of Barbs’ death. My love to you and the girls. Herb
Barb was my very first “best friend”. We met as kindergarteners, then attended St. Francis de Sales School in Holland through 7th grade. Just recently, at one of our high school reunions, we rediscovered our friendship and embraced it fully once again. We’d meet for lunch several times, and talk about the good old days, as well as our lives today. We discovered we still shared a lot in common and we truly enjoyed being with each other. Last summer we met at Boatwerks in Holland and she told me about her cancer diagnosis — she remained hopeful that her upcoming surgery would be successful. We made a plan that day to meet for lunch next time at Gun Lake Casino — exactly halfway between her in Kalamazoo and me in Grand Rapids. Around Thanksgiving, I texted her about getting together. She said surgery had been scheduled and she was eagerly awaiting our next get-together afterward … Rest in peace, my friend. Your memory remains a steady reminder that old friends are the best friends, and it’s never too late to make another connection with someone you hold dear.
Max I am very sorry for your loss. Praying for healing and comfort for you and your family.🙏🏻🙏🏻
To Max and Barb’s daughters: I am so sorry to learn of Barb’s passing. We were good friends while we attended Nazareth. I remember her good sense of humor. We both enjoyed the natural world and worked together with Sr.Ginny Jones and other friends to help develop the trails at Bow-in-the-Clouds. Just this December I was reminiscing about those times and looked for Barb on Facebook. I found her page and attempted to reach out by sending a message without “friending” but hoped she might see it anyway. Likely too late, but perhaps you would like to read it now. Rest in peace, my friend. Marilyn O’Toole Clark