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BARBARA DARLENE ROWNTREE (BARB)
Born: Apr 26, 1947
Date of Passing: Dec 09, 2021
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BARBARA DARLENE ROWNTREE
April 26, 1947 - December 9, 2021
Mom was a workhorse with more energy than most of us. Mom was working from home the day she passed and was out picking up lunch and a couple things for me and passed away in her car in front of the store. She was very thoughtful right to the last minute of her life. My mom passed away just like her father did, while doing something for someone else. A big heartfelt thank you to the person who noticed Mom in her car, and called an ambulance.
Barb's husband, Bryan, was her rock. Any time her life fell to pieces he was there to help put things back together. I am very lucky to have such great parents, even though we weren't a traditional family, we were closer than most.
Mom's passion was helping others. Mom was a Justice of the Peace and one of her biggest joys was officiating at the marriage of her grandson Thane to his wife Sarah.
Barb was very involved at Isaac Brock Community Club for many years. Mom held many positions such as Board President and was also on the Ladies Auxiliary and on the General Counsel. She received numerous awards for all her hard work and dedication.
Mom spent many years making costumes for tap and baton recitals and always said an "oops!" when she stuck me with pins. Mom coached my baseball team, even though she never played baseball. Mom could hit the ball a mile and of course she was the boss. Mom liked watching her friends play baseball, keeping score and being her own "over the top" cheering section.
Mom loved music. If you could play a guitar and sing she thought you were awesome. She loved watching curling and enjoyed her time cooking up a storm at the Stonewall Curling Club.
Mom lived at my place, which allowed her to spend lots of quality time with her great-grandchildren. Barb loved watching the Bombers and the Jets. She had her favourite players jersey…LOWRY (guess why)? I can hear her yelling down from Heaven on game days. Mom never needed a microphone and every win made her happy.
Mom attended Grant Memorial Church for several years and enjoyed our small group get-togethers. Mom was an avid reader and she could read a book a day. Mom was all about family and her homemade perogies and broccoli salad were always a big hit.
Yes, Barb was still working and she loved her second family at Stantec, where she worked for 47 years. She was looking forward to another five years. Barb thought of "her guys" at Stantec as her sons, and Mom loved cooking chili and her macaroni for the beer nights at Stantec. Mom was very involved with all the social activities at Stantec, especially the children's Christmas party. Barb wasn't known for her quiet nature and I know everyone will miss her singing them Happy Birthday.
Mom was a nine year breast cancer survivor, and also had Graves' disease, but none of it ever slowed her down.
Mom was one of the most loving, kind, caring and giving person I have ever known. She would give you the shirt off her back and not even ask why you needed it. Mom was also a very lucky lady to be loved by so many people. Her spirit will live on forever in our hearts.
She was predeceased by her father and mother, Albert and Reta Lowry; brothers, David and Donny; Aunty Gladys; Rick and Les Harlock; and many more relatives all waiting to greet her.
Mom is survived by her husband Bryan Rowntree (separated) but lifelong friends; daughter Dawn Rowntree (Grant Rowe); grandson Thane (Sarah); great-grandchildren, Asher, Skyla and Summer; nephews, Darrin (Kristie), Chris (Tanya), Darryl (Simone), Cory; cousins, Arlene (Bob deceased) Hunter, and Arthur (Janice) Lowry; and by many loved extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, Mom wanted me to set up a trust fund for her great-grandchildren, but that has not worked out so far. So I would ask that you do something nice for your mom, or someone you love, in memory of my mom.
I will be having a 75th birthday party for my mom to celebrate her life. It will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at the Clifton Community Centre, 1315 Strathcona Street, Winnipeg, MB. Have your toast ready.
As we progress through the ever changing protocols as set out by the province of Manitoba, these plans may have to change. Any updates will be posted on Facebook to reach out to as many people as possible.
"Her absence is like the sky,
spread over everything."
C.S. Lewis
LECLAIRE BROTHERS
475 Provencher Blvd.,
In care of arrangements, 204-775-2220
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 18, 2021
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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Dear Dawn, Grant, Brian and Thane, I am so sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. I was just thinking of her and hit google. It’s 2022. Roy was my father, he passed in 2014. Barb was truly amazing. She’d give the shirt off her back to anyone in need. I’m honest to goodness heartbroken for you all. Her energy was astounding. Her kindness, was endless. Sunday’s at the Stonewall trailer, guitars out, Barb cat-a-walling “Runaway” and putting on a fabulous spread. Those were lovely times with your mom. I wish you all great peace. Barb was so very much adored. I am so sad I didn’t have the opportunity to reconnect with her. Sincerest condolences. - Posted by: Harmony Lynne (Almost daughter) on: Aug 08, 2022
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Dear Dawn, Your mom and I were friends while we attended General Wolfe and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. I have a lot of wonderful memories of your mom and our friends. I was fortunate enough to have spent time with your Grandma, Grandfather, your Uncle’s Donnie and David and your father Brian. Once we both got married we drifted apart but I never forgot your mom. I enjoyed reading about Barb and all of her accomplishments. Most of all I enjoyed being her friend and loved her very much. Thank you💙🧡 - Posted by: Jill Parker (nee Kirton) (Friend) on: Apr 24, 2022
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Condolences to Dawn, Thane and his family, and Bryan whom I would always be watching Thane play hockey with. Thane’s grandparents were true supporters. Barb will truly be missed. - Posted by: Roxanna Fenning (Hockey parent) on: Dec 26, 2021
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Condolences to the Rowntree family. I have known Barb since 1987, what an amazing woman. Always thankful, kind and considerate. Heaven has certainly gained an angel. - Posted by: Cathie Mauro (friend/work associate) on: Dec 20, 2021
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Dawn, we send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I knew your mom for 30 years and she always made me feel welcome. This obituary that you wrote is beautiful and your mom would have loved it! I can see her wiping her tears away…..we are thinking of you at this very hard time and know that we are here for you for anything you need. We love you very much! - Posted by: Reena and Shannon Derie (Friend) on: Dec 18, 2021
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I am so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. I will always have fond memories of her kindness and generosity. We had so many fun times singing around campfires when I was growing up. I will always think of her when I hear the song “Runaway” and the way she belted, “I wah-wah-wah-wah-wonder!!!!”. Great times. Barb officiated our wedding almost 8 years ago, and I am so grateful that she was such an important part of our special day. My condolences and much love to the family. Rest easy, Barb. - Posted by: Carla (Friend) on: Dec 18, 2021
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We will miss you Barb at our Christmas gatherings of the old west end group..worked many years at carnivals ..teas..fall suppers..canteen ..kids dances..movies..so much fun and laughter together over the years..you always gave your all..so It is time for you to take your rest ..so sorry for Dawn and all your family you have left a big hole in their lives.. - Posted by: Sandra Kasprick (Old west End friend) on: Dec 18, 2021
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My Condolences to Dawn and the Rowntree Family. God Bless you in these Difficult Times and Always! - Posted by: Tony Guzzi (Dawn's co-worker at Maurice Charles) on: Dec 18, 2021
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I worked with your Mum and Dad at C. M. Robinson Agencies on Erin St. in Winnipeg back in the 1960s. I loved your Mum’s sense of humour. I do believe this is where your Mum & Dad met. If memory serves me correctly your Dad left this employment to go and work at the Post Office. If memory serves me correctly I believe your Mum left C.M. Robinson as she was expecting. Some of these memories seem like a lifetime ago. I guess they were. I am so sorry for your loss, Dawn, but am so glad you wrote and published such a wonderful obit for your Mum. This would make her so happy. - Posted by: Marian Stefaniuk (Friend/ worked with Barb & Bryan at C. M. Robinson Agency on Erin St., Winnipeg) on: Dec 18, 2021
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Our condolences Dawn and Grant and family - Posted by: Pete and Jan Klassen (Acquaintance ) on: Dec 18, 2021
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