Barbara Ann Gentilini

Gentilini, Barbara Ann 83, passed away on Friday, November 10, 2017 at White Pine Senior Living in Blaine, MN. She was born in Virginia, MN to Joseph and Nellie (Anderson) Toman on October 2, 1934. She resided on southside in Virginia until 2012 when her illness necessitated the move to an assisted living facility, first in Chisholm and then in Blaine; six blocks from her son's home. When growing up her family had neither a car or a television, so Barb used roller skating for her transportation and the movie theater and library as her entertainment. She talked often about what an amazing rollerskater she was. It was at one of the many matinees that she took notice of the usher and fellow classmate Frank Gentilini. Barb graduated from Marquette Catholic School, attending through the 8th grade. She graduated from Roosevelt Senior High School, class of 1952, as class Salutatorian. She maintained her friendships with her classmates and had attended all of their class reunions up until July 2013. She married Frank Gentilini Jr. at 8 a.m. on May 29, 1954 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Barb gave birth to their first child in March of 1955 while Frank was in the Navy, stationed in Hawaii. Barb was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church and was very active in the guilds; was a member of the prayer chain; served as a Eucharistic minister, and on the Parish Council. She was especially proud of teaching religious education classes on Saturday mornings and Wednesday nights for fifteen years. She loved her Catholic faith and the many friendships made because of it. Barb was a talented seamstress, making most of her daughters' clothing. She also had a talent for stitch work and making embroidered pillows. She had a flair for decorating their home and business. She celebrated every seson and holiday with style. Barb was a fabulous baker. She could be counted on to produce dozens of Parker House rolls every holiday. Her pies won over Frank's heart and her Christmas cookies were the stuff legends were made of. Barb loved to read and passed this on to her children and grandchildren by surrounding them with any book their hearts desired. Barb thought of her books as her "friends". Her collection of cookbooks, mystery novels, and Christian authors was vast. Barb worked tirelessly by her husband's side for 35 years at their business, Frank's Bar. She could be counted on to be the "wind beneath his wings". In her four+ years in Blaine, she was the favorite resident of all staff at White Pine. The facilitty included a beauty shop that she loved going to every Friday, right up to the day she passed. Barb was proud to be a grandma and loved her grandchildren dearly. She never missed going to any of the local events and activities that they enjoyed. She is survived by her daughter Mary Kay (Robert Udovich) Gentilini, son Paul Gentilini, twin girls Karen (John) Zollar and Kristine (Tom) Reynolds; four grandchildren; Erin Nelle Gentilini, Anna Zollar, Jacob Zollar and Joseph Zollar; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and special friends GeGe Manner and Sandy Huntington. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 60 years Frank Gentilini Jr; and one brother, Robert J. Toman; and her life long friend Joanne Gulla. She embodied the words of Mother Teresa"In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love". Mass of Christian Burial will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Virginia with Rev. Fr. William Fider as celebrant. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be Calvary Cemetery in Virginia. Arrangements are with the Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.

Published on November 19, 2017