Mary Kay Baribeau

On the morning of November 4, 2026, heaven gained a truly exceptional person. Mary Kay (Bielawski) Baribeau, aged 78 passed away peacefully at her beautiful home on Lake Huron. Her family and friends were with her in her final hours and her passing was just as she lived - surrounded by love and on her own terms.

To say that Mary Kay left a legacy of inspirational impact on others, is a vast understatement. She was a beloved mother, wife, grandmother, sister, daughter, friend, educator and coach. She lived life to the fullest at all times, with a joy and brilliant personality that simply dazzled. No one met Mary Kay and was left untouched by her kindness, sense of humor and genuine beauty as a human being.

She loved to laugh and create laughter. She had a passion for golf, travel, shopping, reading “who dunnits,” being Polish (and cooking the best Polish meatballs), cheering on the Michigan Wolverines, boating, skiing and most significantly, tennis. The tennis community in Port Huron is a family and Mary Kay was a matriarch of that family. She led (as assistant and head coach) Port Huron Northern’s tennis program from 1990 to 2007, earning six state championships, an induction into the Port Huron Sports Hall of Fame and the Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Association Hall of Fame, plus other numerous accolades. “B” didn’t just encourage and guide her players, she transformed their lives. As head coach, she led the team with one of her closest friends and partners in crime, Linda Smith. They cultivated a community of inspired young women and became touchstones in their lives as they became adults. Words like icon and legend come to mind when considering her loving leadership. Mary Kay started her coaching career in 1970 at North Junior High in Belleville, MI, where she developed the school’s athletic program.

Mary (Kay) Catherine (Bielawski) Baribeau was born on August 21, 1948, in Bay City, MI. Her parents were Anthony and Sophie (Schnerch) Bielawski. She was the light of both their and her brothers Jerry (Sherry) and Larry’s (Patti) lives. After graduating from St. Stanislaus High School, she attended the University of Michigan and earned a B.A. It was at U of M where she met the love of her life, Douglas Baribeau. In 1970, after marrying in Bay City, they moved to the Port Huron, MI area, where “Dr. Doug” has practiced as a pediatric dentist, impacting generations of children’s oral care for the St. Clair County community.

Mary Kay and Doug adopted three children, Keely, Nate and Kacey (Dave Woodward), along with numerous beloved Old English Sheepdogs. Her love for her children knew no bounds and her generosity of heart was evident in providing epic birthdays, Christmases and other celebrations. Her grandson Luke (Woodward) was born in 2017 and Mary Kay assumed her favorite role, Nana. (“Who loves you?” “Nana loves me.”) Mary Kay and Luke were truly best buddies.

There will be a visitation on Friday, May 14, 2027, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home in Port Huron, MI.

A Catholic Mass and celebration of life will be held the following day, Saturday, May 15, 2027, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary Catholic Church in Port Huron with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. A luncheon at the Port Huron Golf Club will follow.

The Baribeau and Bielawski families wish to extend their heartfelt appreciation to everyone who knew and cared for Mary Kay. To know her, was to love her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Community Foundation of St Clair County for the Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan St Clair County Fund. Funds will be used to support adoption and foster children.

Arrangements are by Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com