Barbie Andreason

Barbie Lynne Andreason (nee Shectman) 1944-2025 of Plymouth, MN, passed away on Friday, May 2. Preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Annette Shectman; brother, Barry Shectman; nephew, Michael Kaplan; husband of her youth & father of her only child: Joseph Main, CPA; and stepson, Lenny Cohn. Barbie was born in Duluth, MN. When she was a toddler her father's company assigned them to El Paso, TX where she spent her first 38 years in the SW desert, surrounded by her beloved mountains. Growing up in a multicultural region, she discovered her natural facility for languages and spoke several. She studied Physical Therapy at U of Oklahoma where she met her future husband at age 17. They married in St Bonifacius, MN, moved to Cleveland, Ohio. 2 years later they settled in El Paso, to be with her parents, brother and sister and friends. There, they were blessed with the birth of their beloved son, Todd. Her child walked through this world beside his mother, through many challenges which she managed to overcome. She spoke to groups about the misunderstood misery of agoraphobia, which plagued her for many years.
During a period of being housebound, she learned Braille transcription, studied medical books endlessly, mastered culinary skills, edited a monthly newsletter for NCJW, wrote illustrated articles for magazines on miniature hobby world; chaired annual citywide Book Fairs, served on various Boards, toiled over genealogy to find her Lithuanian/Ukranian roots, read hundreds of books, took into her home indigent Hispanic women and their babies, accompanied her mother to bring food, clothing, formula and medicine to Juarez, Mexico for families in need. She volunteered at hospitals and clinics as soon as she was old enough to get permission to do so.
1970 brought a shattering event in her family's world. Her 21-year-old brother Barry, was violently murdered by a mentally disturbed stranger who in spite of admitting guilt, never served a day in prison. Nothing would ever be the same for his relatives, his countless friends who mourn him still.
Barbie's parents both became seriously ill. She asked her mother if she wanted to move to her beloved Minnesota, and her face lit up. It took a full year to liquidate their businesses, sell both El Paso homes, pack and gift a lifetime of belongings, and bid sad farewells to dear friends. They relocated to Minneapolis, where her mother's huge and loving extended family members embraced them. Tragically, her father passed away 3 weeks after they arrived, her treasured mother followed 5 months later on her 70th birthday. Barbie had remarried, her son at 19 was adopted by her husband, thus his name was changed from Main to Cohn.
Suddenly lacking a compass, a difficult decision was made not to return to Texas. Instead, Perry Cohn Wholesale Jewelers, Ltd was established in suburban Minneapolis. As founder & co-owner, Barbie worked beside her husband for twenty plus years until they divorced. She took a job at regional Coldwell Banker Burnet training receptionists. Barbie served as an interpreter for non-English speaking women in prenatal and delivery care, as an ESL teacher for Russian immigrants and others, volunteered at Sholom Home memory care, as well as Ronald McDonald House and Mpls Jewish Federation.
She embraced many passions: Barbie was an avid animal lover and advocate. She taught mah-jongg to over 100 people, adored Elvis, NY Times crossword puzzles, Wordle & cryptograms. Bright colors, bling, and polka dots never failed to capture her attention. She enjoyed travelling the world, seeing most of the USA in a motor home, riding motorcycles, entertaining and serving gourmet meals. Her favorite hobby was creating miniatures (room boxes, dollhouses, dioramas) that she personalized and gifted to countless friends and relatives. She served on the Board of Midwest Miniature Guild, was a member of N.A.M.E. (National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts) Her articles were published in American Miniaturist Magazine for several years, as well as other media.
She married once more on 10/10/2010. Tony Andreason, lead guitarist and vocalist for The Trashmen, a well-known surf band from the 60's became her husband. So many adventures ensued as Tony retired from the financial world after 44 years. He performed with bluegrass bands, (Platte Valley Boys) blues, country and Rock & Roll groups around the world. A gifted writer, Barbie wrote poetry as well as lyrics for songs that Tony put to music, sang and recorded. She tried to attend every music performance that he did, during which she was introduced to so many performers of various genres who became friends, as well.
She is survived by husband, Anthony Andreason; son, Todd Cohn (Amy); bonus daughter, Maria Andreason Cooper (Ben); grandchildren, Asher Blake Cohn, Alyssa Brooke Cohn, Linden Amelia Cooper, Evan Anthony Cooper; beloved sister, Beth Anne Kaplan; former brother-in-law, Sid Kaplan; nephew, Dr Jason B Kaplan (Lianne); niece, Jennifer Rubenstein (Brandon); great nieces, Brooke Rubenstein & Drew Kaplan; and many cousins and friends.
Barbie was a beautiful, compassionate, generous, highly intelligent woman who was loved.
Funeral service 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 6th at Bet Shalom Congregation, 13613 Orchard Road, Hopkins and also available on zoom www.hodroffs.com/BarbieAndreason (direct link below) SHIVA 7:00 PM Tuesday at Bet Shalom Congregation.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to an animal rescue organization or a trustworthy charity close to your heart. (https://www.charitynavigator.org/) (direct link below)