Barbara “Babs” Marshall Fynbo, 95, of Rochester, Minn., formerly of Chappaquiddick, passed away on Sept. 1, 2015 of natural causes at her home in Shorewood Assisted Living in Rochester, Minn. Funeral services will be held at Autumn Ridge Church in Rochester, Minn., on Oct. 31, 2015.
Barbara was born in Newton to Frank L. Marshall and Mary Cobb Marshall on April 20, 1920. She was the youngest of four children. She graduated from Needham High School. Barbara was married to B.C. Fynbo on Sept. 25, 1948. They divorced after 26 years of marriage, but in the end were close friends.
Barbara enlisted in the United States Coast Guard on April 8, 1943, during WW II. She entered as an Apprentice Seaman, and served in the Bronx, N.Y., driving officers around New York City. After her honorable discharge on March 9, 1946, Barbara worked for Skinner-Chamberlain Department Store in Albert Lea, Minn. It was there that she met B.C. Fynbo; they married and had six children. In 1951 she and B.C started farming in Clarks Grove, Minn., and continued that for 17 years until a tornado destroyed their farm. Over her varied career, Barbara worked for Jo Ann Fabrics in Albert Lea, at the Edgartown Hardware Store, and as an accomplished independent seamstress in Edgartown.
Barbara both enjoyed and was well known for her skill in repairing and refinishing furniture, as well as a variety of other artistic crafts. Growing up, Barbara loved spending summers at her family home on Chappy, Big Camp, and later eagerly anticipated each opportunity to revisit her own home on Chappy, Hill House, with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom she dearly loved and adored.
Barbara is survived by her children William “Bill” Fynbo (Fran) of Albert Lea, Camille Marks (David) of Rochester, Mary Wille (Jerry) of Rochester, Marge Fynbo of Rochester, and Robert “Bob” Fynbo (Felicia Cheney) of Chappaquiddick; her grandchildren Beth Fynbo, Eric Fynbo (Amber), Andrew Wille (Amy Lasater-Wille), Megan Rank (Ryan), Brian Wille, Steven Marks, Michelle Marks, Joe Marks, Colin Day, and Gavin Fynbo; her great-grandchildren, Lauren and Claire Rank, Grace and Lillian Fynbo, and George Edmond Wille. Barbara is preceded in death by her son Bruce Clark Fynbo, her parents, Frank L. and Mary C. Marshall, and her siblings Frank M. Marshall, Robert B. Marshall, and Mary C. Kelly.
Donations are suggested to Hospice or any charity of the donor’s choosing.
