Barbara was born in Albert Lea, MN, on April 10, 1947, to Melferd and Dorothy Hamberg. Ready to experience the world, she hitchhiked out of town after high school graduation, landing in California for a year. She then explored Europe and North Africa, living in Norway and learning the Norwegian language. After returning to Minnesota, she graduated from the University of Minnesota and began focusing on fiber arts. In 1984 she and her husband Bharat Parek started Silks and Yarns in Fargo. In the early 1990s, she directed the Steele County Historical Society in Hope, ND establishing a rag rug weaving operation there. In 1996 she married Duane Olson, and they moved to Arizona where she began to create sterling silver jewelry. She established Desert Snow Designs, selling her jewelry at art shows across the country.

Barbara Hamberg

In the early 2000s she returned to Albert Lea, MN, to care for her mother. In each place Barbara called home, she formed friendships that continued throughout her life. For the past 5 years ovarian cancer was part of her life’s journey. Her practice of meditation and yoga, and study of “The Art of Living and Dying” helped keep her grounded. She died Sept. 28, 2024, in Albert Lea, MN, and donated her body to Mayo Clinic.