BARBIE FEDOROWSKI

Barbie Fedorowski died peacefully, surrounded by her family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer on Feb. 2, 2012.

Born on Aug. 9, 1965 to Geraldine and Keith Benson of Duluth.

She graduated from Virginia High School in Virginia, Minn., in 1983. She attended the University of Minnesota - Duluth, receiving her Bachelor of Art in Elementary Education. She relocated to Palmdale, Calif., after working in Duluth for a short period. During her years living in the sunshine, she earned her Reading Recovery certification and Masters in Education, so that struggling readers could find their way. After 11 years there, she moved back to Minnesota after the death of her husband so that she and her children could be near family. She found happiness again in her life when she met Dan Fedorowski. They married in March of 2002, and built a home together in Lake Elmo, Minn. They had many adventures together with their children, their families, and friends. Both Barbie and Dan were fortunate to have so many people to partake in their journey of life.

Always striving for the best, she continued her education and attained an Administrative Degree through Hamline University, where she also taught as an adjunct professor in the Literacy Education program. Most recently, she was a reading specialist in South Washington County Schools. She had a passion for learning, and also teaching others in order to improve the lives of young people.

Barbie was preceded in death by her first husband, Jeffrey Ramirez (2000).

She is survived by her four beautiful children, Gabriela (16), Jake (16), Cole (14), Carly (14); her loving husband, Dan Fedorowski; her parents; siblings, Peggy (John) Scott, Robert (Linda) Benson, and Pamela (Ronn) Tomassoni, and her many nieces and nephews.

Barbie was driven to succeed in life, and she accomplished everything she set out to do. She is known as a "doer", because she never let anything stand in her way. Barbie taught us all to go after our dreams, and celebrate life. She had the most infectious laugh, and one could not help but laugh along with her, and share in her joy. Barbie would leave everyone with the message to "Keep The Faith."

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: 11 a.m. Saturday Feb. 4, 2012 in St. Mary's Catholic Church, 423 South 5th Street, Stillwater. Visitation 9 a.m. until time of Mass in the Church.

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