Barbara Ann Kaniewski

Barbara Ann Kaniewski (née Chambers), 71, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, at her home in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Born on June 9, 1953, in Iowa City, Iowa, to George and Alice (née Heil) Chambers. Preceded in death by her parents, her brother John Chambers, and half-siblings Kari Lynn Scott and Michael Chambers.  She is survived and missed dearly by her husband of 47 years, Jeffory Kaniewski; her two daughters, Kristen and Rachael; her cat, Tux, and her granddog; Alfred. She is also survived by her older brother, George H. Chambers II and his wife, Susan.  Barbara retired from Mary Free Bed Hospital after having shared her compassion and wisdom for over four decades as an occupational therapist to spinal cord injury patients as well as patients at the Center for Limb Differences.  As the daughter of an Air Force surgeon, Barb and her siblings called many places home including Germany, Texas and Arkansas before she met Jeffory and ultimately settled in Michigan.  She loved laughing, gardening, reading, music, word puzzles, exploring new crafts, making things, road trips, the action star Jean Claude Van Dam, a hot beverage, natural wonders such as rocks and gems, and the last 10 minutes of any random movie on television.  A memorial service will be planned for a future date. Per her wishes, she will be cremated under the direction of MKD Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation or planting a tree in her memory via the Arbor Day Foundation.