Barbara's obituary
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Barbara "Barbie Doll" Minui-Alfie, a luminous soul, on May 29, 2024. Barbara, fondly known as Barbie Doll, was born on November 11, 1933, and lived an inspiring life filled with indomitable spirit and vivacity.
Barbara leaves behind a loving and close-knit family, who will miss her dearly. She is survived by her daughters, Daria Minui-Thomas, Nancy Minui, and Marian Janette Wymore, and her son, Marty Darius Minui. Her beloved husband, Morteza Minui, M.D., predeceased her.
A graduate of Rice University with a Masters in Social Work, Barbara dedicated much of her time to serving others. She was an attendee at Grace Baptist Church and a dedicated volunteer at Kiwanis, a service organization. Her love for community and the outdoors also led her to form and organize a community gardening club.
Barbara was an ardent fan of Elvis Presley. She loved Marianne Williamson's books and cherished her memories of visiting India and Bangkok on a spiritual retreat with Marianne and her daughters Marian and Daria after the passing of her husband. A connoisseur of Lifetime Movies and the film Out of Africa, Barbara also found immense joy in painting landscapes and flowers. Even her taste in food and drinks reflected her zest for life – pepperoni, ham and pineapple pizza, ice cream, iced tea, and cold milk were among her favorites.
Barbara truly embodied the spirit of carpe diem, seizing each day with passion and exuberance. Her favorite activities included gardening, playing puzzles, and taking bike rides. Barbara's joy was infectious, she was a beacon of light that left everyone she met a little happier.
Her love for travel was undeniable. Barbara had a penchant for cruises, having sailed to Costa Rica, Alaska, and numerous other enchanting locations over fifty times. Locally, she loved dancing in suburban Detroit's vibrant nightlife.
With her radiant personality, Barbie Doll taught us to embrace life and move forward without concern for others' opinions. Her legacy endures in her four beautiful children and two grandchildren. They will remember her sparkling sea-green eyes, her love for Lifetime Movies, and the softness of her hands while applying cream.
As we bid farewell to Barbara, we take solace in the knowledge that her jubilance, wit, and love for life have left an indelible mark on our hearts. We love you Barbie Doll, and you will be greatly missed.