Barbara Josephine Backer Heffelfinger

1925 - 2013

Barbara Josephine Backer Heffelfinger passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, December 25, 2013, at her home in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, at the age of 88. She was born on January 21, 1925 in Beverly Hills, California. Her parents were Dora Thomas Backer and Frederick Phillip Backer; she is survived by her siblings Thomas Griffin Backer, Valerie Backer Martin, and Phillip Tebbits Backer. Barbara attended El Rodeo Grammar School and graduated from Beverly Hills High School in 1942. She studied at Stanford University from 1942 to 1945 where she was an Education major. While at Stanford, she was introduced to the love of her life, Frank Totton Heffelfinger, by a dear mutual friend, Shirley Pettit. Barbara and Frank were married on November 10, 1945 and were blessed with 63 happy years together, before Frank passed away on February 9, 2009. Barbara and Frank moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota in December of 1945, driving through blizzards in the couple's car "Rattles". In 1948 Barbara and Frank were blessed with the birth of their first child, Thomas Backer Heffelfinger, followed by Heidi Heffelfinger in 1951, and Frank Totton Heffelfinger III in 1954. Barbara was a devoted mother and wife, whose life centered on encouraging her children's pursuits, and creating a nurturing and harmonious home for her family. Her circle of family and lifelong, cherished friends will always remember her hospitality and graciousness. Family trips made lifelong memories, especially journeys through the scenic West to visit the Backer clan in California. Also legendary were Barbara's picnic dinners on the rocky shores in Minaki, Ontario during fishing trips with the extended family. Special memories were created during Barbara and Frank's 40th Anniversary trip to Africa, and their 50th Anniversary cruise to Panama and Costa Rica with their children. Barbara was a sustaining member of the Junior League of Minneapolis, and served as the Chairwoman for the Minneapolis Symphony Ball in 1959. An avid golfer, she and Frank were members of Minikahda Country Club in Minneapolis, and Ironwood Country Club in Palm Desert, California, where the couple had a winter home. She also enjoyed family ski trips and playing Bridge with friends. In October of 1997, Barbara suffered a stroke that left her wheelchair-bound, but she was able to live at home with the kind assistance of Matrix elder care, whose nurses and aides became Barbara's angels. Beside her siblings and children, Barbara is survived by daughter-in-law Janine Heffelfinger, son-in-law Steven S. Todd, four grandchildren (Laura, Julia, Rutger, and Peter), three step-grandchildren (Jennifer, Karin, and Justin), and even step-great-grandchildren. Her memory will be cherished, and Barbara/Mom/Baba will be dearly missed. Memorials preferred to the Twin Cities Chapter of the American Red Cross. Funeral service Friday, Jan. 3, 10 a.m., St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 4439 West 50th St., Edina, MN 55424 with visitation one hour before service at church. Interment Lakewood Cemetery. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: mydesert.com/obituaries