Barbara J. Ray, 84, Green Bay, passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2024. She was born July 28, 1940, in Green Bay to the late Louis and Ruth (Lacount) Lapacz.

At an early age Barbara discovered a passion for reading and being a detailed person, a trait she later discovered came from her mother. Barbara attended two years at West High School. When her parents bought a house on the east side, she was determined to live in the basement at the old place instead of moving to the dreaded east side. That didn't work out. She graduated from East High School in 1958.

After graduation she worked in the Charmin Paper Products secretarial pool and then was employed by Krueger Metal Products. She married Donald Brisson on May 7, 1960, and they later divorced. Barbara was employed for 15 years at the Green Bay Press-Gazette, starting in the Dispatch Department, and then as secretary to the Production Manager, Jim Erickson. When he left in 1981 to open the Interfaith Fellowship church office (now Living Hope Church), Barbara joined him to serve as secretary for the next 25 years until her retirement in 2006.

As a member of the local genealogy society, she enjoyed typing and proofreading Brown County cemetery burial records to be added to the BAGS website. Barbara and her sister, Gerri, worked for many years on their genealogy, a never-ending pursuit. She also greatly enjoyed their yearly trips together. In her later years she liked to ride her 3-wheeler, sit on the porch swing, do Sudoku puzzles, and watch the birds.

Barbara is survived by her 3 children. Debra Sage and her children: Tim, Cassandra, Jennifer, Ian (Brianna) Shevey, Mikey (Katie); Jeffrey Brisson and his children: Jess (Allie), Evan, Jeffrey, Jude; Kevin (Lisa) Brisson and their children: Crystal, Trevor, Alcia, Chase; 21 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Gerri Giesler, and Donna McWilliams; and many other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis & Ruth Lapacz; former husband, Donald Brisson; and brother-in-law, TC Gibson, Wayne McWilliams, Fred Giesler.

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" -Romans 5:8.

"Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." - John 1:12

Barbara trusted in the finished work of Jesus in 1978 and is now beholding her Savior Jesus Christ face to face in all of His glory! Hallelujah!!

Friends and family will gather at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18; Memorial Service to follow at 6 p.m. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated in Barbara's name.