Barbara Diane (Dahlen) Malecki, 76, of Hermantown, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 6, 2025 at Edgewood Assisted Living after a courageous battle with cancer.

Barb was born on May 12, 1948 in Duluth, MN to Richard and Audrey (Ojard) Dahlen. She grew up in the Kenwood and Piedmont neighborhoods and attended Central High School.  Barb married Ronald Malecki on February 4, 1967 and had 3 children: Jennie, Jeremy, and Ronnie. The pride and joy of Barb's life were her grandchildren: Katie, Tyler, Blake, Jade, and Lillie. She cherished her role as a grandmother, devoting endless time and helping take extraordinary care of them through the years. She was a wonderful cook and baker - her spaghetti sauce recipe was a family favorite! She not only enjoyed feeding her family, but also the many birds and wildlife at their lake home. Barb collected many decorations for each and every holiday and season, and she displayed them proudly. Barb also enjoyed sewing and was very talented in making numerous baby blankets and items for family and friends.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Carol Dahlen; sister, Lynda Christensen; sister-in-law, Nancy Dahlen; niece, Tamara Adams; and nephew, Brian Harnell.

Barb is survived by her children, Jennie (Jeff) Navoichick of Lehigh Acres, FL, Jeremy Malecki of Duluth, and Ronnie (Andra) Malecki of Duluth; grandchildren, Tyler Tiessen of Wrenshall, Kaitlyn Tiessen of Cotton, Jade and Lillie Malecki of Garrison, and Blake Yamry of Duluth; great-grandchild, Oliver Tiessen; brothers, Richard Dahlen of Springhill, FL; and  Mark (Rita) Dahlen of Saginaw; sisters, Cindy Dahlen of Proctor, and Renee (Richard) Piwon of Cloquet; along with many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend their immense gratitude to the wonderful staff at Edgewood Assisted Living and the Caring Edge Hospice program.

Visitation will be held at 2:30 pm on Monday, January 20th at Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown, MN, with memorial service at 3:30 pm, and a small reception following. Memorial donations may be made to Animal Allies Humane Society, 4006 Airport Rd, Duluth, MN 55811; or online at Animal Allies .

May Barb rest in eternal peace, free from pain, and may she be remembered for the love and light she brought into the lives of others.