Barbara Evelyn (McClanahan) Camarro

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Barbara Evelyn (McClanahan) Camarro (“Barb”), 61, of Fairfield. Born on September 29, 1963, at Wurtsmith Air Force Base near Oscoda, Michigan. Barb was the beloved daughter of Manford McClanahan and Dorothy Keely. Barb grew up in a large and loving family, the second youngest of nine siblings. She attended Powers Catholic High School in Flint, Michigan, where her sharp mind and attention to detail began to shine. She went on to study media and communications at Western Michigan University.

Barb built a successful career as a technical writer, working for EDS and later as a contractor for KMart, Sandy Corp, and GP Strategies. She was a perfectionist in her work—meticulous, organized, and committed to getting every detail just right. In June of 1999, Barb married the love of her life, Tom Camarro, in Birmingham, Michigan. They began their life together in Rochester Hills before settling in Troy and later purchasing their first home in Sterling Heights. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Their daughter, Gabrielle (Gabi), was the light of Barb’s life. Barb was not only a devoted mother but a second mom to many of Gabi’s friends, offering unwavering support and warmth to everyone who crossed her path.

Barb had a creative spirit and a love for the small things—literally. She delighted in collecting miniatures, from tiny books to nativity scenes, and she had a knack for crafting beautiful collages and other small, detailed creations. She shared so many joyful adventures with her family— from a “mock” honeymoon to Mackinac Island to a real honeymoon in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda with Dan and Sara, and many trips to Las Vegas and Disney. Barb had a gift for making people feel at home. Her attention to detail and desire to make others comfortable extended into every corner of her life.

Barb’s thoughtful ways and kindness touched countless lives. She quietly supported causes close to her heart, including the Human Rights Campaign and TOSOS (tososnyc.org). Her compassionate spirit will live on in the hearts of those she loved. Barb recently found comfort in attending St. Pius X, reconnecting with her faith.

In addition to her loving husband Tom, Barb is survived by her daughter, Gabrielle Nicole; her sisters Dr. Connie D. McClanahan, Renee Abraham (Joe), JoAnn McClanahan, and Janet Foster-McClanahan, and her brothers Bryce (DiAnna), Shawn (Connie S.), and Chris, and a sister-in-law, Bobbie. Barb also shared a deep bond with her cousin Jill, who was like a sister to her. She is also survived by her mother- and father-in-law, Theresa (Terri) and Kenneth (Ken) Camarro; a brother-in-law Daniel Camarro (Dan); and a sister-in-law Sara Camarro; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother Bard, and her parents, Manford and Dorothy.

A celebration of Barb’s life will be held in Fairfield at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home on Saturday, March 22 from 2-5 p.m., and with her family in Michigan at St. John Vianney Church on March 27 at 12:15. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to TOSOS or to a charity of your choice in Barb’s memory. Barb lived a life defined by love, loyalty, and quiet strength. Though she has left this world, her light remains in the hearts of all who knew her.