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JEAN MARGARET BARRY (SOROKA)
Date of Passing: Nov 29, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJEAN MARGARET BARRY (nee SOROKA) Peacefully in her sleep after a brief illness, Jean Margaret Barry passed away at St. Boniface General Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba on Friday, November 29, 2013. Jean was kindness personified. Her warmth and smile could light up the darkest corner. Family meant the world to her and she enjoyed nothing more than gathering her people together and cooking up a delicious storm. Left to celebrate and cherish her life are her husband and best friend Bruce Barry; daughter Corinne, son-in-law Michael Ashton and granddaughters Molly and Sophie; son Daniel and son-in-law Jakob Hartmann; niece Brenda McConaghy and husband Sandy Dryburgh; niece Ellen McConaghy and husband Kelly Jumaga and his daughter Julia. She was predeceased by her infant son Ian Michael; her parents Daniel and Anne Soroka, and sisters Verna McConaghy and Irene Soroka. Jean was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on May 23, 1928, the first child of her hard working, immigrant parents. Her sisters Verna and Irene soon followed and the three siblings enjoyed an incredibly close bond that spanned their lifetimes. She lived and was educated in the city's North End, proud of her Ukrainian and Polish heritage. Upon finishing school, she took up a career with the Bank of Montreal and was eventually transferred to Edmonton where she met and married her husband Bruce. They moved back to Winnipeg, where they had their first child Corinne in 1961. Two years later Jean gave birth to identical twin boys, Daniel and Ian. Tragically, she lost Ian to cot death when he was just six weeks old. Jean and her family spent their first few years in the communities of Brandon and Swan River before returning to Winnipeg. After her children started school, she began volunteering with the Auxiliary at Grace Hospital and thus began a long career in helping others. For over 40 years Jean put her great humanity to work dispensing warmth, comfort and care to patients and their families, particularly in the Oncology Department. After retirement, Jean and Bruce moved to Winnipeg Beach where for over 10 years she enjoyed the great outdoors along with the great friendship and fellowship she found at St. Bartholomew Anglican Church. Jean took great strength and comfort in her Anglican faith. She was an active member of all the churches she attended, eventually becoming a Lay Reader and a participant in the activities of the Diocese of Rupert's Land. Jean spent her final years back in Winnipeg where she took great pleasure being involved in her granddaughters' lives. Jean was an incredibly positive person and until her final days remained full of the joys of life. Her family would like to thank the staff at St. Boniface General Hospital, particularly Dr. Li and nurse Nicole for their guidance, support and tremendous care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean's memory to the Canadian Cancer Society; the Grace Hospital Foundation, or the Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths. A memorial service to honour and celebrate Jean's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 6 at St Peter's Anglican Church, 755 Elm St. (corner of Grant and Elm), Winnipeg, MB R3M 3N8. A private interment will follow. Chapel Lawn, 204-885-9715
Publish Date: Dec 3, 2013
JEAN MARGARET BARRY (nee SOROKA) Peacefully in her sleep at the age of 85, Jean Margaret Barry passed away at St. Boniface General Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba on Friday, November 29, 2013. A memorial service to honour and celebrate Jean's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 6 at St. Peter's Anglican Church, 755 Elm Street (corner of Grant and Elm), Winnipeg, MB R3M 3N8. A private interment will follow. Chapel Lawn (204) 885-9715. A full obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Dec 2, 2013
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 03, 2013
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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Auntie Bert and Patricia - Thanks for your kind and comforting words. I will let my Dad know that your cards were returned and that you have posted here. It's unlikely that he knows about either event and I am sure that he will be in touch. While we are missing Mum every day, we are also cherishing the light, laughter and love she brought into our lives. - Posted by: Daniel Barry (Son) on: Jan 24, 2014
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I too had my Christmas card returned and felt something was wrong. I am so saddened to hear of Jean's passing and know how deeply affected you will be Bruce, and all your family. Jean was an absolute faithful friend whose family was of the utmost importance. My wonderful memories of Jean and all her family are huge and I cherish them. My deepest sympathy to you Bruce and your entire family. Could you let me know your new address and phone number please. - Posted by: Roberta Sykes (Friend) on: Jan 09, 2014
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This morning I received my Christmas Card and letter returned to sender. I had a feeling that something had happened. I am so deeply sorry to hear of the loss of Jean. She was a wonderful person with a heart as big as the universe. I will always treasure that I knew her in my lifetime. Bruce please send me your new address. Many blessings and sincere condolences. - Posted by: Patricia and Ned Gagic (Friends) on: Jan 09, 2014
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Our deepest condolences to Bruce, Corrine, Mike, Molly & Sophie, Daniel, Jokob & all family members. Jean shared so much love, kindness & joy at gatherings. She heard the call home, into the loving arms of our Lord and went peacefully. She will live on in the hearts of many. - Posted by: Laurie Jordan & Monica Johnson (your caring community) on: Dec 07, 2013
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My deepest sympathy to each of you! Jean was one of the kindest woman I have ever met. She had the remarkable ability to make everyone feel so special and valued!! I loved her designer canes, and I will deeply miss her! - Posted by: Illa Barber (Friend) on: Dec 06, 2013
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Pink curlers, always running a little late, shopping at Eaton's, silk scarves, falling asleep while reading in the tub, sauerkraut perogies with mushroom gravy, wonderful laugh, open arms for big hugs, no judgement, strong and opinionated loving wife, proud grandmother, and mother of two of the most amazing people I know. These are a few of my memories of Jean. So very cherished and forever in my heart. Anne - Posted by: Anne Sullivan (Friend) on: Dec 04, 2013
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Sincere condolences to a truly grand person who will always be in our hearts Joan & Jack - Posted by: Joan & Jack Dick (retired employee) on: Dec 04, 2013
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Please accept our sincere and heartfelt condolences. We were amongst the very fortunate who knew Jean. Her genuine caring and love for others followed Jean wherever she went. Jean’s greatest love however was for her family, always putting them ahead of herself. All holidays but especially Christmas was particular to Jean, making sure there was plenty to eat and that everyone thoroughly enjoyed the occasion. No one ever sat alone when Jean was in the room. We hope that, despite the sadness, Bruce, Daniel, Corinne and granddaughters Sophie and Molly, nieces and all of Jean’s family keep her traditions as she would want for them. Her presence shall always fondly remain with us. - Posted by: Robert and Maureen Dryburgh (Friend) on: Dec 03, 2013