Barbara Mary Sobel

Barbara Mary Sobel, age 81, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at The Brook in West Branch, MI. She was born in born in Willmar, MN to Paul and Ruth (Goldstein) Sobel.

Dr. Sobel was predominantly raised in Iron Mountain, MI, residing there until she graduated from high school. She was a highly motivated child, sensitive, perceptive, insightful and intuitive with regard to her classmates’ behavior, having frequent discussions with her teachers and significant adults. She exhibited these qualities over her lifetime, winning the confidence of her friends, acquaintances, and clients. Added to these qualities were her acute sense of humor and the ability to laugh at herself. Dr. Sobel excelled in academics and was known for her creativity.

During high school, she was closely associated with the United Presbyterian Church, going on mission trips to different parts of the country. Dr. Sobel had traversed all the States over the years, culminating in a trip to Hawaii to swim with a dolphin, Africa to ride an elephant and Egypt to ride a camel, visiting cultural sites in between.

After high school, Dr. Sobel attended Alma College in Alma, MI, transferring to Indiana University in Bloomington, IN, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, with an endorsement in French. During her seven years of teaching elementary school, she obtained a master’s degree in the Behavioral Sciences from Kean University in Union, NJ, and her Ph.D. from Columbia University in New York City in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis. Subsequently, she earned her license as a practicing psychologist.

Dr. Sobel secured employment with the State of New Jersey, Department of Developmental Disabilities, Trenton, NJ, teaching, state-wide, the principles and practices of Applied Behavior Analysis to developmental center and group home staff, followed by a position at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Stratford, NJ, as a Behavior Analyst on a three-member psychiatric team, consulting primarily to staff in developmental centers and group homes, teaching behavioral treatment strategies.

Dr. Sobel authored and published two children’s books, entitled, “Jealous Me at Three” and “Four No More”, both available on Amazon.

Dr. Sobel’s residences included a year’s stay in Indianapolis, IN, teaching first grade; in Pt. Pleasant, NJ, where she taught several elementary school grades for seven years and where she resided for 28 years; in De Pere, WI and then in Oscoda, MI. Since that time, she lived in West Branch, MI, in a beautiful, hotel-like, assisted living arrangement with her own apartment and her precious cat, Honey, and where she lived out the rest of her life.

As a final, but important note, Dr. Sobel had Bi-Polar Disorder from childhood, plagued in adulthood by severe depression and mania, which rendered her disabled for varying lengths of time. However, she was remarkably resilient and returned to her commitments after each episode. She felt it was a definite miracle that she was able to accomplish what she did, owing to God and His love, guidance and protection.

Dr. Sobel is survived by three adult siblings, Rebecca Frye, Paul Sobel (Lupe), David Sobel (Barb), her nieces, Keri Frye and Holly (Gavin) Gray, nephews, Paul (Megan) Frye, Joseph Sobel, and Chris (Sarah) Purcell; and many special friends and beloved cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Rev. Paul Sobel and Ruth Sobel and her sister, Deborah Sobel.

A memorial service will be held at the Calvary Baptist Church, 2902 E F 30, Mikado, MI, 48745 on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Tim Steiner will officiate. Her ashes will be interred at the church cemetery following the service.

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch, MI. Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com