"Water aerobics and singing while splashing started our friendship, and I am blessed that our friendship grew and deepened. As a result, my visits to Barb?s home also brought Jerry into my life. Barb and I shared many good times, and I appreciated her ?feet on the ground? approach to life?s challenges. Rest In Peace, Barb. "
In loving memory of
Barbara Modjeski
October 20, 1932 - March 23, 2021
Barbara "Buzz" Patricia (Roth) Modjeski, 88, of Winona, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021 at her daughter's home. She left this world the same way she lived in it: surrounded by love.
Barbara was born October 20th, 1932 in Winona MN; she was adoringly raised by LeRoy and Nellie Roth, and four older sisters.
Barbara graduated from WSHS in 1950. On September 26th, 1959, Barb married Gerald M. Modjeski at St. Mary's Parish. Barb and Jerry's unique backgrounds and personalities were complementary to one-another, allowing them to love and support each other for 57 wonderful years.
Barbara loved to go on walks around the lake, ride her bike (often to the YMCA for water aerobic classes), tend to her Coleus and Geranium plants, and (for 58 years) keep up with the never-ending drama of General Hospital.
After raising five kids, Barbara worked in the WSU food service area for over 25 years. She served spectacular homemade dishes to her loved ones for even longer. Barb often cooked mouth-watering wild game/fish (brought home by her husband), budkas and kraut, lemon meringue pie, chocolate chip cookies, and many more memorable recipes.
She was not afraid of sharing her sassy (yet loving) commentary to the world. Often, Barbara would roll her eyes at the absurdity of musicals, despite the fact that at any moment she would spontaneously break-out in song. If you vented to her about a problem, she could listen sympathetically or perhaps respond with a "tough crap", if you were one of her spoiled kids or grandchildren.
If you walked past the Modjeski household in recent history, you likely saw Barb sitting on the front porch or in the backyard gazebo, with a book open in front of her and the radio playing by her side. Reading about different worlds, listening to beautiful music, eating sweets, and sipping on a Fresca was Barb's idea of a wonderful day; the only thing she enjoyed more was being around the ones she loved.
Barbara Modjeski brought so much humor, compassion, and light into this world, and she is already sorely missed; as she would say: "What a revolting development!"
Barbara is survived by four children, David M. (Leigh) Smith, Gerald A. Modjeski, Mary K (John) Merchlewitz, and Wayne R. Modjeski; seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and her life-long friend, Jean Raz.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald, in 2017; son, James (Jim) Smith in 2020; and her four sisters: Helen Eggers, Harriet Homan, Nellie Johnson, and Mary Wemette.
Celebration of Life Service will be 12 p.m., Saturday, April 10th at Cornerstone Church, 1001 44th Ave. Goodview, MN. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m., until the time of the service. She will be laid to rest at St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Barb to Winona Area Hospice, 175 East 7th St. Winona MN. Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Winona is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tributes
"Water aerobics and singing while splashing started our friendship, and I am blessed that our friendship grew and deepened. As a result, my visits to Barb?s home also brought Jerry into my life. Barb and I shared many good times, and I appreciated her ?feet on the ground? approach to life?s challenges. Rest In Peace, Barb. "
"I worked with Barb at WSU in food service, she was in desserts and I was in salads. We hit it off and always had so many laughs even though I was 40 years younger. Every once in a while when I came back to Winona for a visit, I would run into Barb at a garage sale and it would be like old times and we would find something else to laugh about. I have such fond memories of Barb and am going to miss her. Tracy (Brabbit) Carlier "
"Peace to the family of Barb. During the 70\'s and 80\'s Barb and Jerry were my two favorite customers at Shorty\'s Restaurant on Mark and Center Street. Loved them they so sweet and fun. I used to see them and we would talk old times. She enjoyed life and was so proud of her family. Rest in peace Barb. Mary Ann Gierok"