Barbara Fynbo

Barbara (Babs) Marshall Fynbo, 95, of Rochester, formerly of Chappaquiddick Island, Mass., passed away on Sept. 1, 2015, of natural causes at her home at Shorewood Assisted Living in Rochester. 

Funeral services will be at Autumn Ridge Church in Rochester at 11 a.m. Oct. 31.

Barbara was born in Newton, Mass., 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 in Needham, Mass. 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 U.S. Coast Guard on April 8, 1943, during World War II. She was enlisted 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. 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 and continued for 17 years until a tornado destroyed their farm. Over her varied career, Barbara worked for Jo-Ann Fabric in Albert Lea, at the Edgartown Hardware Store and as an accomplished independent seamstress in Edgartown, Mass.

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, Robert "Bob" Fynbo (Felicia Cheney), of Chappaquiddick Island, Mass.; 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 Seasons Hospice or a charity of the donor's choosing.