Melanie Sandra Barry Obituary (1942 - 2024)

Melanie Sandra Barry (nee Goldberg), age 82, of Minnetonka, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ann & James Goldberg. Survived by sisters & brothers-in-law, Sybil & Seymour Wilensky, and Lynne & Tom Mitchell; children, Michael & Etta Barry, Ronald & Shari Barry, Leslie & Jerad Hahn; grandchildren, Alex (Barry) & Vincent Di Paola, Benjamin Barry (fiancée Emily Gootzeit), Jacob Barry (fiancée Marci Steinberg), Mark & Stefanie Barry, Jordan Barry (fiancée Jessie Fillare), Zachary Hahn and Anika Hahn and great-grandson, Daniel Barry, and countless cousins, all of whom she adored. Melanie was born on February 9, 1942, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She graduated from North High School in Minneapolis and attended the University of Minnesota. Melanie always said she was glad she grew up on the North Side. She married and started a family. She was an active philanthropic leader in many organizations, including Beth El Synagogue, Minneapolis Jewish Federation, Jewish Family and Children’s Service, Jewish Community Center, PACER Center, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota Orchestra, and many others. In 1974, she took an active part in starting a family business called Twin City Fan Companies, Ltd. This year, the company is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Her love of business continued as she opened a women’s accessory store, Finishes, with her very good friend. Melanie had a unique love of traveling. She claims to have visited 162 countries. In her many adventures and explorations, she SCUBA dived, rode elephants, skied countless mountain ranges, followed the Silk Road, sailed the Amazon, and landed in a pride of lions while hot air ballooning in the African Serengeti. A very special THANK YOU to Lisa Miller, who has been like a daughter to her. Lisa started to work for Melanie 40+ years ago. Also, a huge thank you to Tamara Anderson-Buch, Kelly Barrett, Linnea Evans, Ammie Jesse, and the staff at Live Your Life. The last years of her life were greatly improved due to their loving care. Funeral service THURSDAY, August 8, 2024 at 10:00am, BETH EL SYNAGOGUE, 5225 Barry St. W., St. Louis Park. Also on zoom at www.hodroffs.com/MelanieBarry In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Jewish Family and Children’s Service or another charity of the donor’s choice. Shiva on Thursday at 7:00pm and a Gathering of Family and Friends on Friday at 7:00pm both at Oak Ridge Country Club, 700 Oak Ridge Rd., Hopkins.