Barbara Elizabeth (Tenney) Kuschinsky

Saginaw, Michigan

Hubbard Lake, Michigan

Barbara Elizabeth (Tenney) Kuschinsky, age 96, of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away peacefully of natural causes on March 20, 2025. Born on April 18, 1928, to Olin and Beatrice (Hayes) Tenney, Barbara lived a full and vibrant life, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and family.

Barbara was the proud matriarch of our family—wise, witty, and warm. She was known for her sharp sense of humor, her loving nature, and her unwavering dedication to those she held dear. To most, she was simply “Grandma K”—whether related by blood or love.

She cherished her summers at the family cabin on Hubbard Lake, a place that brought her endless joy and peace. It was there she tended to her hummingbirds, gathered with loved ones, and created memories that spanned generations. Barbara was also the Queen Mother of her Red Hatters group, a role she embraced with pride and flair. A woman of strong faith, Barbara was a founding member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Saginaw. Her church community was an important part of her life and values.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arnold Kuschinsky Jr.; her sons, Alan Kuschinsky and Dean Kuschinsky; her parents, Olin and Beatrice Tenney; her sisters, Joanne (John) Maul, Pat (Jim) Colpean, and Dana Tenney; her aunt, Amanda Thomas (“Aunt Bunny”); and her dear friend, Robert Emeott.

She is survived by her loving children: Mark (Mitzi) Kuschinsky, Paul (Joyce) Kuschinsky, Polly (David) Hollis, along with her goddaughter Judy Robinson-Dupuis and Jeaneen Schaper. She also leaves behind her brother, David Tenney; her sister, Mary Tenney-Becker; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Barbara Kusch; and a large, cherished family of grandchildren: Amanda Kuschinsky-Pugh (Josh), Adam Kuschinsky, Kaila (Jason) Varga, Coty (Jamie) Kuschinsky-Slate, DJ Hollis, Kira Kuschinsky, Sydney Hollis, and Ashley, Jeremy, and Travis Broihier.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Barbara’s kind and thoughtful neighbors in Carrollton and at Hubbard Lake, her beloved Red Hatters sisters, her Bunco group, and the compassionate nurses and doctors at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw, and HealthSource Saginaw.

Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 5250 Mackinaw Rd. Pastor Jacob Kempfert will officiate. Honoring Barb’s wishes cremation will follow. Friends may visit at The Snow Funeral Home, 3775 N. Center Rd., (between Shattuck and McCarty) where the family will be present on Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Barbara’s legacy lives on in the stories we share, the laughter she sparked, and the love she so freely gave. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or Undercover Angels Animal Rescue.