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Barbara A. Helstrom

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Barbara passed away January 29, 2021 at her home in Sun City West, AZ, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
She was born Barbara Bigelow on June 13, 1948 in Grand Rapids, MN. She graduated from high school in Buhl, MN where she was active in cheerleading and band. She graduated from junior college in Hibbing, MN, where she was also a cheerleader.
She is survived by her husband, Lou; daughter, Jennifer Petrucelli; son, David Helstrom; mother, Dona Bigelow; sisters, Kathi Landis and Sue Guifrida; brother, Frank Bigelow Jr.; and grandchildren: Vincent, Madeline, and Olivia Petrucelli as well as Alexa Bertley. She is also survived by 5 great-grandchildren.
She worked as a Certified Health Unit Coordinator in Illinois, Calgary, Alberta, Minnesota, and Ohio. After retiring, Barb and Lou moved to Sun City West, AZ, where Barb’s Mom, sister, and uncle also have homes.
Barb was a warm, loving person that quickly formed lasting friendships. She would never forget to send you a card for your birthday or special occasion! She had a great time with SCW Boomer Club activities as well as golf, cards, and Mah Jong groups. She loved attending sporting events, attending concerts, cross stitching, ballroom dancing, reading, shopping, and visiting family and friends.
Final arrangements will come this summer, when Barb will have a memorial stone in Hibbing, near her extended family. It is requested, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Barb’s name.