Our beloved mother and grandmother, Barbara Jean Bellante Byrum (“Bobbie”), passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 5, 2024. She was 88 years young, a true “force of nature in a tiny package”, known for her boundless energy and generosity. 

Always the first to volunteer to help whenever a family member or friend was in need, and the one many counted on to listen, offer help, or even craft a plan that she was sure would set you on the right path— Bobbie’s spirit of service and love was felt by everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of care, strength, and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

Bobbie was the matriarch of our family. Beloved mother of Lynn Marie (Jon) Madonna, and Robert Lee, Jr. (Susan) and dearest grandmother of Tomasz (Hannah), Sofia (Brad Dixon) and Alexander Jon, she also leaves behind her youngest sister, Mary Ellen (“Babe”) (Leonard) Delekta, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins she adored. She was predeceased by her husband and life partner of nearly 54 years, Robert Lee (2010); youngest son, Thomas Burl (1983); parents, Thomas and Mary Edith Bellante; siblings and best friends, Rosemarie (Arthur) Palarchio, Joseph Bellante, and Nancy Ann (Gene) Giannulli. 

Bobbie was the ultimate Mom and Grammie who loved her family fiercely. As a former kindergarten teacher, she was all about passing on her love of books and reading. She enjoyed planning outings and taking her kids and grandkids to museums, libraries, the Detroit Zoo, the Franklin Cider Mill, the Detroit Institute Arts, the latest new restaurants and popular music concerts … always sharing her love of her hometown, art, music, fashion, travel, and of course, cooking and fine dining.  

Family and friends gathering at the Byrum home to celebrate holidays, or any other occasion, was her love language. Bobbie was the consummate hostess, set a beautiful table, arranged flowers, was an excellent cook and loved showering her guests with attention, food (always the best food!) and drink, and instructions on how they could help in the kitchen. No one ever left without a Tupperware container of goodies for snacks or the next day’s lunch.  

Born on July 3, 1936 in Youngstown, Ohio, Bobbie moved to Detroit with her family at a young age. She graduated from Denby High School in 1954. While still in high school, she was introduced to a handsome and funny young engineer who made her laugh - Bob Byrum - by her older sister, Nancy, his classmate at Cass Tech High School. Certain that they would make the perfect couple, Bob and Bobbie quickly became an item. Just a couple years later, Nancy and Babe stood at their sister’s side at her wedding in August,1956, as well as their 50th wedding anniversary celebration in 2006.  

Bobbie was the first of her family to attend college, and graduated from Michigan State Normal College, now Eastern Michigan University with a teaching certificate and an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning and education. As a young newlywed, her first career as a kindergarten teacher was short but memorable, terminated only by the birth of three children arriving within the first four years of marriage. She unconditionally supported her young husband’s graduate education and successful career as he built a thriving business still operating today under the leadership of her son, Lee. Supporting  her children’s interests and an active school and community volunteer over the years as the Byrum Family Commander in Chief, she was usually organizing  behind the scenes, but right out front when necessary.  

Not quite 40 years old when her children started leaving the nest, Bobbie started a new career in the world of advertising at Meldrum and Fewsmith, Inc., moving to W.B. Doner in the early 1980s and rising quickly to Vice President of Print Production. For many years she was an active member and officer of the Advertising Production Club of Detroit.

In their later years, Bobbie and Bob traveled the world together for more than 20 years as avid ocean cruisers and long-time members of The Nomad Club. Crossing the ocean on the inaugural transatlantic sail of the Cunard Queen Mary 2, as well as visiting Europe via the supersonic airliner, Concorde, were just two of the many adventures they delighted in and shared over the years.

Bobbie will be laid to rest at a private family service and interment in Oakland Hills Memorial Gardens, Novi, MI on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. 

May the Lord bless her and keep her in His grace, and may the perpetual light of glory shine upon her.

Our family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the caring and dedicated staff at Fox Run Senior Living Community for their total commitment to our mom’s contentment, comfort, and safety, especially this past year. 

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Farmington Hills Community Library and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.