Wayzata, Minnesota
Christie, Barbara of Excelsior, passed away August 2, 2008. Born in Chip- pewa Falls, WI. After graduating from high school she moved to Chicago to attend Selan's Beauty School. After graduation Barbara and her friend Ione opened their own beauty salon on North Ave where they worked together for 20 years. After they sold the salon she went to work in the test salon of Helene Curtis, a manufacturer of salon products located in Chicago. That led to getting involved in education and sales and working with salon distributors in Wisconsin and Minnesota. In 1969 she and her husband, Lee Mitchell, moved to Excelsior and purchased National Beauty Supply. Lee and Barbara took the company public in 1970 and expanded into the surrounding states. Once they got the business on track she became very involved with the Boys and Girls Club and with CCRF where she met many of her great Minnesota friends. She loved the people that she volunteered with and the opportunity to help others. In 1978 Lee passed away and Barbara became President. In 1980 she married Dick Christie and they had 25 beautiful years together before he passed away in 2005. She had continued working at National and volunteering until July. Her work ethic was surpassed only by her love of people and life in general. In addition to being a business owner for most of her life she was also a Radio City Rockette and a big game hunter. Growing up during the depression gave her a tremendous appreciation for the ability to work hard to improve the lives of her family and other that needed assistance. For those of us who had the chance to know her well, she made an indelible impression of love, loyalty and embracing everything that life has to offer us. She will be sorely missed but her love and her values live on in us. She is survived by her son Allan (Valerie) Brown, daughter Gloria (John) Hassett, grandsons Charles Brown and Mike (Lori) Hicks, and great grandsons Derek and Tyler Hicks. Memorial service 3pm Tuesday at Wayzata Community Church 125 E. Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata. Visitation one hour prior to the service at church. Memorials preferred to The Boys and Girls Club or to CCRF. David Lee Funeral Home Wayzata 952-473-5577
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
I had the pleasure of knowing her. She always asked for me when she shopped at Nordstroms. My husband would always drop off her purchases to her home because she was so special...She will be missed by many..
Becky Christensen
October 28, 2008 | Chanhassen, MN
I was sad to hear about the passing of Mrs. Christie, as I "grew up" with her. My grandparents were Marcia & Danny Ansell (and my great uncle was Beril). I grew up going to all the World of Beauty shows at the Radisson and have great memories. I now do nails at Fantasia Spa/Salon and last year when I stopped in to get supplies and say "hello", Mrs. Christie gave me some pictures she found of my grandparents. That was SO special to me! Please know I am thinking about you during this sad...
Marni Ribnick
August 13, 2008 | New Hope, MN
Dear Mike,
I just learned of Barbara's passing. I am so sorry for your loss. I had the opportunity to work with you and Barbara while Dick lived at Meridian Manor and I was the Administrator. I found their love and affection for one another touching and felt honored to be involved in the care for Dick and support of Barbara. Even after Dick's passing, Barbara and I stayed in contact as my husband and I explored the opportunity to build a unique, niche assisted living community. ...
Jennifer Anderson
August 10, 2008 | Mound, MN
Dear Mike and NSR Family,
I have to admit, my days at National were not the same if I didn't get a visit from Mrs. C daily. She always made a point to come in my office to chat and if I was there and didn't see her I ran up to her office to say hi.
My memories of her are so precious and I have always held her so dear to my heart through the years.
Some of my fondest memories at NSR were with Mrs. C.
I remember when Mrs. C asked me to cut, perm and color her hair for...
Tami Harlan
August 08, 2008 | Gainesville, VA
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Mrs.C was an amazing woman. I worked at NSR from 1995-2000 ans remember her fondly. She always had a nice and encouraging word. She will be missed.
Gina (Koren) Paar
August 08, 2008 | Centerville, MN
I have many wonderful memories of working and traveling with Mrs. C. and hearing all about her amazing life. Watching her take care of everyone she cared about was always so touching and inspirational. I know she will be missed deeply by countless people.
Sharla Norlander
August 08, 2008 | Bloomington, MN
My personal condolences to the family. I worked at National Bty from 1981-1989 and Mrs C. was a caring and sweet lady.
Kim Eng
August 06, 2008 | Maple Grove, MN
I worked for National Salon Resources during the ninties. Mrs. C has been a great inspiration to me and I am certain she was to a great many other women as well. She was much admired and will be greatly missed.
Marcia Pfeifer
August 05, 2008 | Golden Valley, MN
Mrs. C was an amazing and caring person. As each new employee would start working at NSR, she would always welcome them and tell them "you are going to work with a great group of people". She truly meant that. She always made us all feel like we were part of her family. That feeling of “family” will always remain at NSR. She has inspired us all and has taught us so many wonderful values. She will be missed, but NEVER forgotten!! God Bless you Mrs. C!
Robbin Sanders
August 05, 2008 | New Hope, MN
