Melinda Sue Baribeau

Melinda Sue Baribeau, 58, of Duluth, MN died on Thursday June 8, 2023, of natural/unknown causes.  She was a joyful, kind, resilient, loving spirit with a smile and laugh that lit up the room. She had her struggles and challenges but she loved deeply and was deeply loved.

Melinda was born in Duluth and was a lifelong resident. She graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1982 and later received an Associate Degree from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.  She worked as a server for many years and loved connecting with people/customers to provide an enjoyable dining experience.  Melinda’s love for people also shined in her work as an activities aide at extended care facilities in Duluth. She was a proud and grateful member of AA and made deep connections around the tables both receiving and giving support and hope.

She enjoyed being outdoors, collecting agates, painting, drawing, and watching movies with popcorn, but the place that brought her the most joy was being at her family cabin “on the island at Burntside Lake”.  It was truly her “happy place” where she was surrounded by nature, water, and her family. She loved her nieces and nephews and was always ready and proud to share a picture or story about them. She loved animals, especially cats, and pampered her pets as though they were her children.

Preceded in death by her loving parents Keith and Rosemary Baribeau, grandparents Helen and Clarence Engwall, Olga and Walter Jesse, Ray Baribeau, and many beloved pets.

Survived by two sisters: Jean Thoennes (John) of Duluth, MN, Rose Umland (Mike) of Plymouth, MN and one brother John Baribeau of Duluth; six nieces, three nephews, five great-nieces, three great-nephews, and other loving relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Tuesday June 27, 2023. at Dougherty Funeral Home

600 East Second St Duluth MN: service at 2:00 PM with a 1:00 PM visitation for one hour prior to the service.  A private family interment is scheduled at Bethany Cemetery at a later date. Service will be livestreamed on the Dougherty Funeral Home Facebook page.

The family would like to thank the many friends and professionals who provided support to Melinda over the years, most notably her two lifelong best friends Emily Radich Sipper and Betsy Mattila Allen.   

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555. Please visit www.dfhduluth.com to sign the online guestbook.