Barbara Elizabeth (Collodi) Lithander

life story

A mother, a grandmother, a friend and an advocate for all.

"As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us, as we remember them"

Lithander, Barbara Elizabeth Collodi age 76 of Eden Prairie, MN passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 24, 2023, following a courageous fight with chronic pulmonary disease. She was surrounded by her 4 children daily who made sure the room was full of love as she made her transition from earth.

She was born in St. Louis, MO to Dr. George A. Collodi and Maude Elizabeth (Hines) Collodi. She was a proud Brentwood High School Eagle, class of 1965, alum. After high school Barbara attended Drake University where she met her future husband and lifelong best friend, Carl E. Lithander. The two were married in Chicago, IL in June of 1970 and started their family in St. Louis, MO before moving to Taylorville, IL and eventually landing in Camarillo, CA to plant their roots and raise their 4 children.

Barbara finished her degree in early childhood education at California State University-Northridge which started her career journey. First as a middle school teacher, followed by her dream job in newspaper advertising at the Camarillo Daily News. She went on to have additional newspaper roles at the Pioneer Press in Oxnard, CA and was recruited to the Minnesota Sun Newspapers in the mid 1990’s. As the industry changed so did Barbara. So, she re-invented herself and worked as a Pharmacy Tech for 10-plus years.

Her biggest and best promotion came in 2014, when she was promoted to the title “Grandma”! Family was the most important thing to Barbara. She viewed this as her life’s most important work, raising good humans and there was nothing she wouldn’t do for her family. She was the matriarch who instilled traditions, celebrated big and loved hard. She had the best sense of humor, and she loved all people and all dogs—her family all knew she loved her dogs as much or more than her people.

She was an activist for her beliefs, a continual learner and teacher, an avid sports fan and moved through life with kindness and inclusion for all. Ask any of her kid’s friends, it was an open door at the Lithander house.

She loved the beach and the Margaritaville vibe, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, music, sports, politics, and travel. She was a writer and had a special way with her words.

She is preceded in death by her parents and ex-husband and lifelong friend, Carl E. Lithander.

She is survived by her brother: John Collodi (Renee) of Jacksonville, FL; four children; Kathryn (Steve) Fettig of Chaska, MN, Beck (Corina Derman) Lithander of Oakland, CA, Kevin (Carey) Lithander and Amy (Grant) Hauptman both of Burnsville, MN and her most treasured grandchildren; Emerson & Galen Lithander, Everett & Isaac Hauptman, Harry Fettig and Charlie Lithander. She has left behind a legacy of love and generosity that we will strive to honor and share with all those we meet.

A private celebration of life was held in her honor with her beloved family. For those interested, donations/contributions can be made to the family to cover end of life and cremation services. Any funds received in excess of expenses will be donated, in her memory, to the Humane Society, where Barb was a passionate ally for many years.