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BARBARA GRACE COOKE
Born: Aug 19, 1949
Date of Passing: Dec 31, 2021
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
BARBARA GRACE COOKE
(nee TATARYN)
It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Barbara on December 31, 2021, with her loving husband Gordon by her side.
Barbara (Barb) was born on August 19, 1949 in an off-grid farmhouse in Skylake, in Manitoba's Interlake area. On the farm, she developed a strong work ethic, and a lifelong love of cooking, learning from the Ukrainian cooking master - her mom.
She attended Sambor and Leeland schools, and graduated from Poplarfield High School before moving to the big city.
Barb truly celebrated life. She was bold, outgoing, and loved to laugh. She made friends wherever she went, and had close friendships that spanned decades.
In her early years, Barb enjoyed weekends with friends at Grand Beach in the summer, and Mexican vacations in the winter. She spent many years as a Jets and Blue Bombers hostess at the old arena and stadium, and formed lifelong friendships with her fellow hostesses, affectionately known as the BAGs (Beautiful Aging Goddesses).
Barb met Gord in the mid 1980s and they married in 1993. Together, they shared a love of football, golf, spending time with friends and family, and travelling. They travelled to Europe several times and became snowbirds after retirement, spending winters in Arizona, Florida, and mainly Texas.
Barb was a devoted Blue Bomber fan and season ticket holder. She enjoyed tailgating before the game with friends, and attended more Grey Cups than she could count.
Throughout her life, Barb worked at Fort Garry Trust, Crown Carpets, and IKOY Architects, but spent the majority of her career with the Government of Manitoba in the Public Trustee office, until she retired at 57 in 2006.
Barb was a devoted wife, friend, daughter, sister, aunt, great-aunt, and godmother. She is survived by husband of 28 years, Gord, sister Irene (Eric) Bechert, brothers and sisters-in-law, Ken (Harriet) Cooke, Bill Claydon, Johanna Tataryn, and many cherished friends, cousins, and nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by father Anthony Tataryn, mother Stella Rozak, brother Elmer Tataryn, sister Diane Claydon, parents-in-law, Jim and Winnie Cooke, niece Tracy Huynen, and loyal (but grumpy) cat Simon.
Thank you to the St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care staff and Dr. Ted for providing care and comfort to Barb in her final days.
A Celebration of Life will be held when it is safe for us to gather. Further details will be announced in the Free Press.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Barb's name to CancerCare Manitoba or an animal shelter of your choice.
Barb, we love you and will keep you in our hearts forever.
Vichnaya Pamyat
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 22, 2022
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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We had the pleasure of meeting Barb a few times in Edmonton. She was very friendly and we know how close Irene and Barb were and the bond they shared. May she rest in peace; she is gone too soon. Our deepest condolences to all. - Posted by: Donna Rosychuk and Gordon Hendry (Friends of Irene and Eric) on: Apr 26, 2022
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So sorry to hear about the loss of Barbara. My memories of her were that she was always friendly, very nice to meet. She always looked good with lovely hair and tasteful clothing. I'm sure there are many people with fond memories of Barbara. - Posted by: Elaine Sysak (cousin) on: Feb 24, 2022
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I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Barb at a flooring store, she was such a lovely, funny person and I always enjoyed working with her the few times we did. Condolences to her loved ones <3 - Posted by: Belinda (coworker) on: Feb 15, 2022
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Gord, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. My wife Christine & I offer our deepest condolences to you and all of your loved ones. Sincerely, Christine and Dave Henry - Posted by: Dave and Christine Henry (Friends) on: Jan 28, 2022
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Gord we are so sorry for the loss of Barb. Barb was always so cheerful and ready for a good time. We will miss our chances for another golf game with her. Take care. Bo and Donna - Posted by: Bo and Donna Keating (Friend) on: Jan 23, 2022
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Our Heartfelt Condolences are extended to Gord and families. We have many fond memories during our many Rifles Junior football years. We greatly respected Barb and enjoyed always her company in the stands. Lorna and Lorne Stevens - Posted by: Lorne and Lorna Stevens (Football friends) on: Jan 22, 2022
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So sorry to hear about Barb's passing. She was a wonderful lady and always had time to chit chat whenever we ran into each other. I am sure you will miss her terribly. Our sympathy to you Gord. Marlene and Alan😰😰💕💕 - Posted by: Marlene Chorley (Friend) on: Jan 22, 2022