Etsuko Barbara (Bobbie) McAlpine

June 12, 1923 – March 20, 2025

Bobbie was born on June 12, 1923 in Osaka Japan, the youngest of six children born to Seuchiro and Yuri Uehira. In 1953 she met and married a handsome American sergeant, John L. McAlpine, who was stationed in Japan at the time. Their only child, Mary Ann, was born in 1954, after which the family moved to the U.S.

In 1960, John sadly passed away from a brain tumor. Bobbie never remarried, but chose to remain in the United States to raise her daughter. She found a home and community in Vandercook Lake, Michigan where she lived until 1976. She became a dedicated Christian and was active in Vandercook Lake Baptist Church where she made many lifelong friends.

Bobbie worked as a clerk at Consumers Power Company (now Consumers Energy) from 1968 to 1987 when she retired after 19 years of service. In 1976 Bobbie moved to Lansing. She became an active member of Colonial Village Baptist Church (now Lifeway Community Church) and maintained treasured friendships with many congregants.

Bobbie celebrated her 100th birthday on June 12, 2023. Family and friends were on hand to honor her long life at a wonderful party at Independence Village in Grand Ledge where she had lived for a decade. She spent her final year at Fairview Adult Foster Care.

Bobbie leaves behind her daughter, Mary Ann, son-in-law Oscar (Jeff) Baker, many nieces and nephews, “adopted” grandchildren, and numerous friends.

The family wishes to thank all the friends who faithfully came to visit and encourage her over her last few years, and to thank her many caregivers for their kind service to her. “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” – Psalm 23:6

Visitation will be held at Lifeway Community Church, 2010 Boston Blvd. Lansing, MI 48910, on Wednesday, March 26 from 10:00am-11:00am. The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am following the visitation. Bobbie will be interred at Roseland Memorial Gardens in Jackson, MI.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Youth Haven, 3796 Perrine Rd., Rives Junction, MI 49277.