Pow, Barbara Ellen

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POW: Barbara Ellen, our beautiful Mom, wife and Grandma, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at Hillcrest Place Personal Care Home with loving family by her side. She was 80 years of age. Barb was born in Montreal on January 28, 1940 and moved to Brandon as a small child. She met Dick in 1951 at Nick's Fish and Chips when she was only 11 and he was just 13. She was attracted to his pleated, blue slacks and instantly fell in love, saying she was going to marry that lad one day. Barb proudly got her man and they married in 1957 and from pure true love, two daughters were born. The family later grew, resulting in 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Barb worked in the Meat Department at Safeway, the Deli at IGA and was a hired caregiver for Brandon Region Health. She also sold Tupperware and Beauty Counsellor Cosmetics, but those careers were short lived as she always bought way more than she sold. Mom loved and adored her family with a fierce passion and filled our lives with good food, fun and adventure, never knowing what she was going to say or do next. She also enjoyed having coffee with friends; the kitchen always being a hub of activity and chatter. Mom had a creative talent in ceramics, crocheting, knitting and sewing, and her handiwork is spread far and wide. She also loved to watch horror movies, go to garage sales and shop, shop, shop! She had a very colourful vocabulary and made it her mission to introduce her grandchildren to their first naughty words. Mom's language was not the only thing colorful in her life; her clothing, accessories and household fabrics reflected bold colour or animal print and she was appropriately nicknamed Mrs. Roper by many. Her jewelry, shoe and purse collection could not be beat, nor could her affection for quirky pottery, brass and copper; basically, anything that sparkled. With multiple rings on every finger, she definitely was the Queen of Bling! Mom will be forever remembered as someone who lit up the room with her radiant smile. She was an amazing lady, had true character and people loved the way she expressed herself with her flair and choice of words. For her short stay at Hillcrest, she certainly made an impression with her fiery personality and we truly thank all of her caregivers and staff for their kindness and loving care. Our appreciation also extends to the wonderful people from Home Care; thanks to everyone who made our lives that much easier. Barb will be dearly and lovingly missed by her husband of 63 years, Dick Pow; daughters Karen (Pat) and Lori (Darrell); grandchildren Vanessa, Stacey, Dustin (Becky), Darrick (Amanda) and Jordan (Kim); and great grandchildren Dane, Ruby, Isaac, Crosby, Ryder and Keira. She was predeceased by her parents Stan and Anne Baliski, brother Wayne Baliski and nephew Kevin Baliski. A private Celebration of Life honoring Barbie and her love of outrageous fashion and all things sparkly, will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Barbara may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, Unit 4B, 457–9th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 1K2.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at
www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 30, 2021