Emily, a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and a woman of unwavering faith, strength, and love, peacefully entered eternal life on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at StoryPoint Senior Living in Northville.  She was 98 years old.

Born on November 14, 1926, in Johnstown, PA, Emily was one of 14 children of the late Antoni and Wladyslawa (Silakowski) Polakowski.  She married Walter J. "Walt" Barbish on April 26, 1958, at St. Florian Catholic Church, Hamtramck.  Sadly, Walt preceded Emily in death on July 21, 2011.

A talented seamstress, Emily had a gift for creating beauty with her hands, stitching together not only fabric but also the hearts of those around her. She found great joy in playing golf, teaching catechism, and sharing her deep devotion to her Catholic faith. Her love for Mary, our Blessed Mother, was a guiding light in her life, and she lived each day with optimism, believing wholeheartedly that "the best is yet to come."

Emily was known for her strong personality, her directness, and her honesty—qualities that made her a steadfast presence in the lives of those who knew her. She never hesitated to speak her mind, but she also never missed an opportunity to say, "I love you." Her kindness and warmth endeared her to everyone she met, leaving an unforgettable mark on their hearts.

Above all, Emily was a loving mother and grandmother, whose adoration for her family knew no bounds. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and resilience that will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know her.  Though she will be deeply missed, we take comfort in knowing she has been welcomed into the arms of our Lord and our Blessed Mother, where the best has truly come.

In addition to her parents, Emily was preceded in death by sisters, Mary (Joe) Resutek, Frances Polakowski, Anna (Anthony) Rapcinski, Pauline (Michael) Senko, Carrie (Ben) Ray, and Eleanor Polakowski; brothers, Joseph Polakowski, William (Helen) Polakowski, and Frank Polakowski; brother-in-law, William J. Polakowski, and sister-in-law, Frances Polakowski.

Emily is the loving mother of Allan (Judy) Barbish, Brian (Lisa) Barbish, Cindy (Bob) Sewall, and Sandy (Brian) Puckett; adoring grandmother of Matthew, Ryan, Lauren, Andrew, Nathan (Abby), Sarah, Jeremy, and Jessica; and aunt to many loved nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may gather for visitation on Friday, February 14, from 3-8 pm, with a 7 pm rosary, at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home, downtown Farmington.

Emily's funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday morning, February 15, at 10:00 am (in state 9:30 am) at St. James Catholic Church, 46325 W. 10 Mile Rd., Novi.  Interment will follow at Glen Eden Memorial Park, Livonia.

Memorial tributes are kindly suggested to EWTN or the American Heart Association .

May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.