Ann M. Barszcz

Surrounded by her loving family, Ann Marie Barszcz, 73, of Green Bay, WI, passed away peacefully at home on July 9th, 2026. Ann was born in Beaver Dam, WI, on August 30th, 1952, to parents James and Carolyn Rennhack. She was a proud and loving sister to Lynda, Jeanne, Katie, and Mary. After high school, she moved to Green Bay, WI, where she met and married Gene Barszcz while working at St. Vincent Hospital. They shared a loving marriage, including raising their three children; Chris, Jamie, and Emily. Ann prided herself on being a mother. She was the best mom, mentor, and friend. Ann was a guiding force in the lives of her children each and everyday. While her children were young, not only did she devote her life to them, she also had a successful wallpapering business with her best friend, Sue Tomalak. As her children grew, she decided to carve out a new path and continue her education. She graduated from UWGB in 1996 with a degree in education.

Ann spent her career as a passionate teacher, administrator, and leader. She started in the Pulaski School District as a middle school teacher. She went on to get her master's in Educational Leadership at Viterbo University, which led her to a successful career in the Green Bay Area Public School District. She served as principal of Kennedy Elementary School and Lombardi Middle School and retired as an Executive Director of Elementary Education. She was beloved and respected by her students, staff, and peers.

Ann was also a phenomenal cook, and sharing food was her true love language. If you’ve had Ann’s banana bars, you have felt this love. Weekends were for family get-togethers and sharing a meal. This meant everyone in the kitchen, retelling family lore, a boisterous kids' table, so much laughter, ending in full bellies and even more importantly, full hearts. These times will be deeply missed by her family, but these traditions will continue in her honor.

Ann would tell you that one of her greatest joys was being a grandma. She was the grandkids' biggest fan, showing up to any event big or small. She went out of her way to make memories with her 6 grandchildren - campfires and night games, sleepovers with a movie and popcorn, Grandma’s bingo hall, sewing adorable doll clothes, craft projects, and decorating holiday cookies. She was the magic maker and the tradition keeper. Those memories made will be cherished always.

In retirement, Ann continued her lifelong passions of gardening, sewing, and reading a good book on her front porch. In more recent years, something important to her was Wings of Change. There she found a community of cancer survivors who worked out together and supported one another. She also loved to travel, especially with her sisters, taking her to places like Las Vegas, Minocqua, Pensacola, Hawaii, Breckenridge, the Dominican Republic, and a longtime family favorite, Gulf Shores, AL. Ann’s philosophy was simple: “Say YES - take the trip, make the memories.”

She will be deeply missed by her children Chris Barszcz, Jamie (Scott) Thompson, Emily (Brett) Follett; 6 grandchildren; Cameron, Cece, Adi, Luke, Samantha, and Gemma. She is further survived by her sisters Jeanne (Charlie) Neis, Katie (Ken) Roth; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Carolyn; her husband, Gene, her sisters, Lynda and Mary.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the team at Unity Hospice as well as the many friends and family members for their compassionate care and unconditional support during this difficult time.

Her love was the lantern that kept the night bright.

A celebration of Ann’s life will be held by the family on August 18th at Village Grill Events (1390 Bellevue St. Green Bay, WI 54311) from 2:00-5:00pm. In the spirit of Ann’s wishes - come causal as we celebrate the joy, love, and friendship Ann brought to us all.