Barbara M. Janicke (LaMotte)

Barbara LaMotte Janicke rejoined Marshall, the love of her life, on November 1, All Saints Day.  They met in late 1941, she a striking fifteen year old redhead from Highland Park, he a brash twenty year old East Sider.  She graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in 1944 and they were married the following April on a furlough, a wing and a prayer. Together they raised four children; Jody Halling (Gary), Gene (Mary), Mary Lou Kostecki (Paul), and Cookie Haas (Tom). Barbara was a loving role model and Renaissance woman who sewed, painted, and even invented.  She was known, at least by her family, as the inventor of the Mitten Tree for drying wet mittens.  She sold the manufactured Mitten Trees door-to-door to other baby boomer moms.  She began her working life at sixteen in the Montgomery Ward’s Catalog Pick Up department on University Avenue.  Barbara worked part time for the 1960 census and later, joined the vanguard of full time working moms when her youngest (Cookie) started first grade, as a St. Paul elementary school secretary – the most important position in the building.  And, she always had supper on the table at 4:30!!  Barbara instilled the love of reading with bedtime helpings of Beatrix Potter and Winnie the Pooh, and a love for music by playing the greatest hits from Chopin, Liszt and Broadway on the stereo.In addition to her children Barbara is survived by eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren, sister, Constance Marier, and many, many friends. A special thank you goes out to the wonderful staffs of Maple Hill Senior Living and Abode Hospice Care. There will a celebration of Barbara’s life on Saturday, November 11 at Gulden’s Restaurant, 2999 Maplewood Drive, Maplewood, MN.  Gathering 10:30  a.m.; Remembrance and Celebration 11:00 a.m.; Lunch and fellowship follows.  Family and friends are welcome.  Please RSVP if you are able to join the family for lunch:  genemaryjanicke@midco.net or 651-464-2488.  Private interment.