- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
SHEILA BARKER
On February 12, 2022, we lost our number one fan, our number one supporter, our Mum, our Grandma.
Sheila Barker lived the definition of "unconditional love". She was proud of us no matter what we did, and supported us regardless of the decision. She took every opportunity to tell us we were amazing.
The truth is, she was amazing. She was brave and smart. She moved to Canada from Southport, England at 25 years old. She built a life and a family in a new country with few supports. She was well respected at all her workplaces: Antrim's in Southport, the Winnipeg Gas Company, and Woolco and Eaton's where she translated her talent for sewing into sales. Sheila was a financial genius and stretched a dollar far further than you would think possible.
Although small in size, Sheila's strength was larger than life. She would do anything for those she loved. Watching Sheila drag a soaking wet German Shepherd out of the lake when he was stuck under the dock, gave all of us reassurance that we were pretty well protected when she was around.
When she lost her husband, Tom, 24 years ago she consciously rebuilt her life with line dancing, bowling, and creative writing lessons. She said yes to every opportunity. She travelled, went to movies, and attended as many of her grandchildren's sporting, dance, and academic events as she could. She so proudly attended their graduations and weddings, and always celebrated our birthdays and anniversaries.
She leaves behind Irene and Curtis, Edward and Leslie, and Karen and Lauchie. She will be so missed by her nine grandchildren, their partners, four great-grandchildren, her sister-in-law Margaret, her dear friend Cathie and many other friends and relatives. She loved and lost her husband Tom, her grandson Dane, and her brother John.
She was a great mum and grandma and was a daily presence in our lives whether we were near or far away; even over the past two years when we couldn't physically be together as often. She is present in the recipes that we cook, the stories that we tell, and the traditions that we share. It was her favourite thing to see us all together, where she could just watch, listen and laugh. It is something we will continue to do because of her. We feel very lucky.
We look forward to celebrating Sheila's life this summer when we are all able to be together.
If you wish, donations can be made to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 19, 2022
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
-
I was also a neighborhood friend of Irene, Ed and Karen growing up but a few blocks from them. The Barker family was a staple and there was always and open door. Although our lives took separate paths when the old Glenwood gang gets together at Christmas it was like we were never apart. Condolences to the entire Barker family she was a great lady. - Posted by: MARK LAFRENIERE (friend) on: Mar 09, 2022
-
I am very sorry for the loss of your dear sweet mother and grandmother. And though I did not know Sheila well, I always felt her love in all of you and the loving family she created. - Posted by: Charlotte Duggan (Family friend) on: Mar 07, 2022
-
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Your tribute to Sheila is as beautiful as she was. Such a lovely lady. May she Rest In Peace. - Posted by: Heather White (Friend) on: Feb 23, 2022
-
My thoughts are with you all at this sad time, I moved to Canada 17 years ago and Shiela was one of my first friends, she was one of the kindest people I have ever met, we bowled and went line dancing, she came to my dance recitals and helped me make dance costumes, I loved to visit her and we laughed so much, I will never forget you are were one in a million. R.I.P. Shiela till we meet again xxx - Posted by: Janice Richardson (friend) on: Feb 21, 2022
-
Every time Shelia walked into a room where her family was gathered her smile and eyes lit up, as she took in everyone who was there. And with the Nordheim/Boyd/Barker clan their were usually many people there. I look at her picture and I hear her laugh. It's been a great pleasure to have often been included in gatherings of that joyous family in which Sheila was the matriarch. So much love and laughter. - Posted by: Lana McGimpsey (family friend) on: Feb 21, 2022
-
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mother was one of the nicest, kindest people I have ever met. Met her through her good friend Cathie. Your father built our fireplace years ago. You were very lucky to have her for a mother and grandmother My thoughts and prayers are with all of you - Posted by: Bev Lotocki (Friend) on: Feb 19, 2022
-
We are very sorry to hear of the passing of your wonderful mom and grandma. I will always remember our two moms chatting together and enjoying watching their grandkids at every single school or sporting event. Your mom always had a smile on her face and kind words to say. May your special memories provide you comfort during this most difficult time. - Posted by: Spado Family (Friends of family) on: Feb 19, 2022
-
We were so sorry to hear of your Mom, grandma's death last week. Sheila was truly a sweet and special lady. We were so lucky to have shared family celebrations with your family and we will always remember her wonderful laugh. Hugs to you all. Sheila and Harold - Posted by: Sheila Thwaites (Friend) on: Feb 19, 2022
-
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your Mom Irene! She was truly a treasure, an amazing women whom we always looked forward to seeing at all of Shea’s soccer games, like you said she loved unconditionally and her energy was definitely contagious. I know she will be missed dearly by your whole family! Hugs from Dennis and I. xoxoxo - Posted by: Laura Campbell (Soccer family friend) on: Feb 19, 2022
-
I have very fond memories of Mrs. Barker dancing up a storm with her sister at a family gathering showing all the grandchildren “how to live”. She continue dancing and singing at Riverside Lions where she made many new friends. I remember her eating ice cream on the Grand Beach boardwalk after having a full fish and chip meal at the Sandbar restaurant during an outing and Colin remembers going for ice cream with the Barker family when he was young. Thinking of all the family at this very sad time. Glenda and Colin MacDonald - Posted by: Glenda and Colin MacDonald (Friend of the family) on: Feb 19, 2022
-
I have very fond memories of Mrs. Barker dancing up a storm with her sister at a family gathering showing all the grandchildren “how to live”. She continue dancing and singing at Riverside Lions where she made many new friends. I remember her eating ice cream on the Grand Beach boardwalk after having a full fish and chip meal at the Sandbar restaurant during an outing and Colin remembers going for ice cream with the Barker family when he was young. Thinking of all the family at this very sad time. Glenda and Colin MacDonald - Posted by: Glenda and Colin MacDonald (Friend of the family) on: Feb 19, 2022
-
Our deepest sympathy to Ed, Irene, Karen and their families. Having grown up with Ed I was witness to the love and support she had for her children but it did not stop with them. Like Mr. Barker, Mrs. Barker was so supportive of all her children's friends as well. They were the one set parents that you could always count on being in attendance at sporting events, school events, etc. whenever it was possible. While they supported our teams they were also the type of people that would cheer a good play by the children on the other team. They would congratulate us in victory and console us when defeated and if ever one of us was injured they were right there to sooth the pain. Many years later, when Irene and Curtis would open their home at Christmas to old friends of Ed, Karen and theirs Mrs. Barker was just as supportive as she was when we 6 or 16. Mrs. Barker was the type of person that never said a bad thing about anyone and she raised her children to be the same way and what a wonderful job she did. - Posted by: Don Bailey (Family friend) on: Feb 19, 2022
-
This is a beautiful tribute to a great lady. Her dedication to parenting and grand parenting provided a primer to us all on how it should be done. So selfless, so easy, so true. What a great gift from you all to share your mum with friends. Her laughter shall be irreplaceable. And, it must be said, so will her mashed potatoes. Rest In Peace, Sheila - Posted by: Theresa Oswald (Friend) on: Feb 19, 2022