Barbara Avery

Barbara Avery, 66 of Red Wing, passed away unexpectedly on December 12, 2025. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend and though her passing leaves sadness, there is comfort knowing that she is now reunited with her husband, best friend and love of her life, Brent Avery.

Barbara Brigitte Jenkins was born on June 23, 1959, in Freeport, Illinois. Her family moved to Arvada, Colorado where she and her sisters spent their childhood before moving to Minnesota, first to Eagan and then to Red Wing, where Barb graduated from Red Wing Central High School. On September 19, 1981, she married Brent and together they had two children, Natalie and Brandon. While her children attended school at St. John’s, she helped with the lunches and meals for all the parochial school children—from planning to grocery shopping and serving, it was something she truly enjoyed doing. Barbara later worked for the Red Wing Public Library, the YMCA, the City of Red Wing, and the Red Wing Shoe Company, from where she retired. Through each job, she formed many connections and friendships that would enrich her life and the lives of those around her.

Barbara's greatest pride, however, was in her role as a grandma to her beloved grandchildren, Allison, Barrett, and Ruby. She embraced every moment spent with them, lavishing love and care not only upon them but upon all the children in her extended family. A true caregiver at heart, Barbara’s capacity to love deeply was evident in the warm hugs she shared and the bright smile that lit up every room she entered.

She is survived by her two children, Natalie (Jake) Littfin and Brandon Avery, as well as her treasured grandchildren, Allison, Barrett and Ruby Littfin. Barbara also leaves behind her dear sisters, Diana Jenkins, Cynthia "CeCe" Jenkins, and Alicia (David) Blinkiewicz; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dale (Nancy) Avery, Kevin (Dori) Avery, Matt (Joan Demules) Majovski, and Todd (Nora) Avery; and many loving nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Brent, who passed away in 1997; her parents, Verne and Edna Jenkins; her father and mother-in-law, William and Lois Avery, and sisters-in-law Joan Majovski, Diane Avery, Erna Rose, and brother-in-law Jim Rose.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Friday, December 19, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home and for one hour prior to the service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Red Wing Area Food Shelf, River Bluff Humane Society or Red Wing ELC.