Barbara Corinne Bencini

Barbara Corinne Bencini, age 79, of Mound, MN, passed away on May 12, 2026, after a long illness. Born in Chicago on December 6, 1946, to Lois and Lon Bencini, Barbara grew up in Wheaton Illinois and attended the University of Iowa. Barbara spent her career at Merrill Lynch in Wayzata, MN where she worked from 1978 until her retirement in 2017 as Senior Vice President of Wealth Management. While there, she made many lifelong friends and was recognized several times by the Wall Street Journal and Barron's as a top Female Financial Advisor. She also co-founded the Association for Financial Professionals and was a founding member of the Minneapolis chapter of the White House Project (a non-partisan, nonprofit that aims to advance women's leadership in all communities and sectors). Barbara loved people and loved to help in any capacity. She was a sought-after mentor, an active supporter of policies and politicians, on the board of directors of several nonprofits, including the African Classroom Connection, Jungle Theatre, Hammer & Ner., and the Minneapolis Parks Foundation. Barbara also supported St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral as a Senior Warden and the President of its Foundation. She enjoyed entertaining at her beautiful home on the creek, where her great sense of style was evident. With an infectious laugh and ability to bring people together, her evenings were always memorable. Barbara loved to travel with family and friends. Travel to Boston for family visits, New York for food and Broadway, the Southwest to hike and relax, Hawaii, Alaska, San Francisco, London, and Paris, are just a few of her favorite destinations. Beach life in Mexico and her home on the Pacific coast in Costa Rica was a top priority for her. She made several trips to Africa and to celebrate her 60th birthday she climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. Barbara is survived by her husband William Janohosky, her first husband Peter West, and their two children Stephanie Todhunter (husband Rick and their four children, Callaghan, Charles, Peter, and Felix), and Peter West (Kathy), brothers Lon (Debra, son Nikolas) and Robert (sons Jeffrey, Matthew, and Kevin). Barbara's first love was her family, her children, her grandchildren and her brothers. She loved to travel, visit and just spend time with all of them. Preceded in death by her parents, her brother David, and her husband Alwyn Powell. A celebration for close friends and family of Barbara's life will be held at 1:00 PM, May 29, 2026, Washburn-McReavy, 5000 West 50th & Highway 100, Edina, MN. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Barbara's name to Hammer & Ner which provides people with intellectual and other disabilities the opportunity to live life to its fullest. Barbara was on its board of directors, and they served her brother David during his last few years of life. Hammer & Ner, 1909 Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata, MN 55391. Online donation link http://www.hammer.org/give/#donateform

Barbara Corinne Bencini

December 6, 1946 - May 12, 2026

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