Barbara Gaughan (Houle)

Barbara Ann Gaughan (Houle) age 88 of Forest Lake, Minnesota, was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and beloved friend. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on March 17, 2022. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Roy & Marguerite Houle; siblings, infant Gerald, Kenneth, Joanne Dufresne, Tom, and David; and son-in-law, Dan Bjorkman. She is survived by her loving children, Kathi Bjorkman, Karen Wichmann, Maureen Allan, and Patrick Gaughan; her grandchildren, Sara & Megan Bjorkman, Grant (Jenya) & Nicole Wichmann, Ava & Emma Allan, Lucas (Sarah), Bridget (Josh), Hugh, Mary, Margaret, & Joseph Gaughan; her great grandchildren Dane Bjorkman, and one on the way; her nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and dear friends. Barbara and Patrick J. Gaughan Sr. were married August 21, 1954. Barbara graduated from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota in September 1954 receiving her RN degree. In 1969, Barbara was instrumental in founding the Gaughan Companies, headquartered in Forest Lake, in equal partnership with her husband. Together, they worked diligently to build their company, and were successful in expanding the business to cover the entire metropolitan area. Barbara supported the business every step of the way, and was admired for her strength, wisdom, assured leadership and business acumen, as well as her warmth and genuine appreciation for people. Barbara was a philanthropist with a heart of gold, and generous in supporting many non-profit causes as well as donating toward educational scholarships for underprivileged children. She was an avid reader and world traveler, and enjoyed keeping in touch with her friends who all meant so much to her. Barbara loved animals, the theater, the arts, and she really enjoyed piecing together jigsaw puzzles and solving sudoku puzzles to keep her mind sharp. She especially appreciated filling her home with friends and family over the years including her precious grandchildren, and enjoyed hosting gatherings and spending time socializing with everyone near and dear to her heart. A celebration of Barb’s Life at 3 PM Saturday, March 26th with visitation one hour prior at Roberts Family Funeral Home, Forest Lake. Reception, snacks and socializing will follow service. Service will be livestreamed here: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1647660156173533