Cecilia Barbara Riehl, age 92 of Westland, passed away on May 24, 2026.

She was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 27, 1933 to the late Mary (née Reynolds) and Frederick Baden Carne.  While having the given name Cecilia, her parents called her by her middle name Barbara and this became how she was known to all.   Barbara grew up in Highland Park, graduating from Highland Park High School followed by attendance at Albion College, where she achieved her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics in only three years.  While at Albion, Barbara pledged to women’s fraternity Alpha Xi Delta and became a life-long active member.  Barbara completed her master’s degree in Mathematics Education at Wayne State University.

Barbara had a career in education, starting as a math teacher at Thurston High School (Redford Twp) where she met the love of her life, Don Riehl.  Barbara and Don were married for 63 years until Don’s passing in 2019.  After taking teaching roles at Marygrove College, Schoolcraft College and Henry Ford Community College, Barbara joined the faculty at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where she became the Director of Math 080/090.  While at Schoolcraft College, Barbara partnered with others outside the math department to develop and teach “A Course Designed to Reduce Math Anxiety” that received interest from across the nation.  Barbara retired in 1998, after which she continued her love for mathematics by tutoring many students.

A dedicated and loving mother, Barbara is survived by two sons--Kevin (Dianne) Riehl and Dan (Michelle) Riehl and was proud grandmother of Brian, Jessica (fiancé Toyin Isijola), Cooper and Carter Riehl and great-grandmother of Emma and Arya Isijola.  She had joy and pride spending time with her grandchildren.

For over sixty years, Barbara loved spending summers at their Riehl-ly Livin’ cottage on Starvation Lake.  Always staying active, whether it was working in her garden or water skiing into her late 70s, Barbara especially enjoyed being outside.  She loved bicycling and participated in rides at scenic locations across Michigan and the country.  Barbara looked forward to her winter months at The Beachcomber in Venice FL, where she took up pickleball and enjoyed viewing sunsets over the Gulf. 

Barbara was a frequent volunteer to the community.  An avid knitter most of her life, Barbara supported several organizations including the University of Michigan Knit Wit’s to knit over 1000 winter hats for underprivileged children.  She enjoyed ushering at the Detroit Opera House, The Fisher Theater and the Fox Theater for decades, earning a 30-year volunteer award from the Fox.  She regularly supported the University of Michigan-Dearborn commencement ceremonies.  She loved volunteering at the Traverse City Film Festival and events in the National Cherry Festival.

Visitation will be held at Thayer-Rock Funeral Home (33603 Grand River Avenue, Farmington, MI 48335) on August 1, 2026, from 11 am – 1 pm to be followed by a memorial service at 1 pm.