Barbara Fleis Obituary

Barbara Ann Fleis passed away peacefully on June 30,2025, at her home in Melbourne, Florida, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 6, 1941, to Wilfred and Helen Duperon, in Lake Leelanau, Michigan. Barabara was one of seven children and graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1959. She later attended Northwest 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 2025 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, 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, North Carolina she took up golf, joined a league and became quite competitive. She won first place in one of the league's tournaments. Known for her long-distance drives, Barbara 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 First Communion at St. Stephen Parish in Sanford, NC. She taught CCD classes at the Holy Name of Jesus Parish, preparing 7th and the 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 proceeded 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; sons, Jeffery (Kerry) Fleis, Jerry (Chris) Fleis, and Brian (Kristin) Fleis, 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 sisters and brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 24, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Beckman Williamson Funeral Home in Rockledge, FL.
A viewing will be held Friday, July 25, from 10 am to 11am, with a funeral mass to follow, at 11 am, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.The service will be live streamed, https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?
A Celebration of Life will be held August 1 at Holy Rosary Church in Cedar, Michigan.
Your prayers are appreciated.