Published 5:31 pm Tuesday, August 13, 2024 By austinsubmitted Barbara J. Race, 73 Barbara Jean Race of Austin, born on December 1, 1950, in South St. Paul, Minnesota, got her wings on August 9, 2024 at Mayo Clinic-St.
Mary’s Campus in Rochester, at the age of 73. A loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and loyal friend, Barb’s life was defined by her deep love for her family and her strong-willed spirit. Barb graduated from South St.
Paul High School in 1968. Just two years later, on March 28, 1970, she married her soulmate, Steven Race, and together they shared a lifetime (almost 55 years) of love, companionship and good-natured teasing. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elaine and Robert Darveaux; and her sister, Susan Rossler.
Barb leaves behind her beloved husband, Steven Race; daughter, Dana (Joe) Arvidson; son, Dan Race; granddaughters, Alyssa (Nicole) Smith Arvidson, and Rhianna (Jeremiah) Race; great grandson, Beau Smith Arvidson; siblings, Bob Darveaux, Patty Mingo, and Margaret Swanson. Barb’s working life included time at Pearson’s Candy Factory in South St. Paul and as a home health aide for Mower County.
But her most treasured role was as a homemaker and grandmother. Barb had a passion for cooking and baking, always preparing enough to feed not just her family, but the entire neighborhood. Her kitchen was the center of her home, where love was the main ingredient in everything she made.
A true collector at heart, Barb got a thrill ou.