Barbara Jo Suvanto, age 65, of Hudson, WI, passed away on May 18, 2023 at Regions Hospital in Saint Paul.
Barbara was born on August 15, 1957 in Sauk Centre, MN to Thomas and Rose (Kinney) O’Connell. She married her soulmate Miikka Suvanto on May 2, 1998.
Barb owned and operated Studio 94 in Hudson.
For Barbara her sun rose and set on her granddaughter Mya. She could never tell her no. She also adored her dog, Charlie as well as her cats. Barbara had an artistic talent: she enjoyed painting. She also liked reading, playing card games (especially solitaire), doing puzzles on her ipad. Barbara will be remembered as a homebody who liked traveling places (not necessarily the journey to get there) but enjoyed the destination, and then enjoyed returning home even more.
She is survived by her husband Miikka; her daughter Jennifer O’Connell; granddaughter Mya; siblings Roberta “Bobbie” O’Connell of Phoenix, William “Bill” O’Connell of Hudson, Mary Jean O’Connell of Stillwater, Ralph O’Connell of Hudson, Joseph O’Connell of River Falls; many nieces & nephews and other extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents Thomas & Rose (Kinney) O’Connell of River Falls, sister Cheryl McCarten of Hudson.
O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, WI. (715) 386-3725. www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com
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Siblings are the witnesses to our childhood, and I’m so fortunate that Barb was my sister. We grew up together, moved to AZ together, and we have a lifetime of shared memories. She was generous, talented, and loving, and already there are triggers that immediately bring her to mind – e.g., sunflower seeds on a salad… I’ll miss you, Barb, RIP.
Barb was my hairdresser at Studio 94 when we became friends. She had a heart bigger than life and loved her daughter so much. We had many great laughs. I lost track of her after she married her soulmate and we moved.
The world needs more people like her!
My sincere sympathy.
Mikka and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Know you are in my prayers.
Siblings are the witnesses to our childhood, and I’m so fortunate that Barb was my sister. We grew up together, moved to AZ together, and we have a lifetime of shared memories. She was generous, talented, and loving, and already there are triggers that immediately bring her to mind – e.g., sunflower seeds on a salad… I’ll miss you, Barb, RIP.
Barb was my hairdresser at Studio 94 when we became friends. She had a heart bigger than life and loved her daughter so much. We had many great laughs. I lost track of her after she married her soulmate and we moved.
The world needs more people like her!
My sincere sympathy.
Mikka and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Know you are in my prayers.