Angela Marie Barber of Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, was born in Greendale, Wisconsin, on November 3, 1961. She was the daughter of the late Angeline and Richard Barber and the oldest of five brothers and sisters. She attended Iowa State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. After college, she accepted a position at General Motors. While working there, she received a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. 

During her thirty-two years at GM, she authored the first edition of the Vehicle Technical Specification (a complete set of requirements for all the vehicle systems), she worked on the fifth-generation Corvette, a complete redesign of the mid-size models including the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, developed a supplier information system, and did some of the earliest work on GM automotive cybersecurity. Angela was very proud that she was able to own the first and second generation Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid electric cars.

Angela was a member of the Ann Arbor Unitarian Universalist Church where she served as Volunteer Coordinator for Interfaith Hospitality Network’s Alpha House homeless shelter.

Angela was an active volunteer and generous donor. Over her life she was a supporter of the Michigan Theater, WDET, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, Food Gatherers, Earthwatch, and the Southern Poverty Law Center. She traveled all around the world as recording secretary for the joint SAE/ISO 21434 cybersecurity process standard.

Angela was a skilled tailor, dressmaker, and quilter. She created many winter weight coats, raincoats, light jackets, a two piece business suit, blouses, Halloween costumes, and even her wedding dress.

She is survived by her husband of twenty-seven years John I. Hritz Jr., brother Richard Barber and his wife Laurie, sister Annice Barber and husband Neil Petroff, sister Christine Barber, and brother John Barber and his wife Gina.

At Angela’s request, her body will be donated to the University of Michigan for the advancement of ALS research.

A memorial service will be held in the spring. Details will be announced at a later date.

Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to ALS of Michigan and the Team Gleason Foundation.