BARBARA JEAN PARR

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BARBARA JEAN PARR

(WHITAKER)

It is with much love and sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Jean Parr on Thursday, August 7, 2025, just weeks after celebrating her 80th birthday in the Palliative Care Unit at the Riverview Heath Centre. Barb fought a long and courageous battle with cancer and ultimately passed peacefully under the excellent care provided by the staff at Riverview. The family cannot thank the nurses and staff enough for their compassion and care for Barb.

Barb lived a life full of love, laughter, and kindness. She touched so many hearts, and we are grateful for every precious memory. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we remember her and celebrate her life.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Helen and Herb Whitaker, her husband Harry Parr, and her brother Mark Fenny. She is survived by her son Danny, his wife Nicole (Haffner), their sons, Tyler and Cameron, her daughter Debbie and husband Dave (Littleford), her son Matthew McKenzie and his wife Gaetanne (Gauthier), her brother Bob Whitaker and his family, and her sister-in-law Gloria Fenny and her family.

Barbara was born in Thunder Bay and spent her first five years there. The family moved to Kenora for two years, then on to Winnipeg where she lived the rest of her life. She grew up on Southwood Avenue in Fort Garry and attended Viscount Alexander and Vincent Massey schools. Barb married Harry in 1968 and they spent their married years living on Patricia Avenue in Fort Richmond. Barb was an excellent athlete and spent many years curling at the old Wildewood Club. She also spent countless hours watching her children and grandchildren compete in their sports.

Barb and Harry shared a love for the Lake of the Woods area, spending their summer months with family and close friends. They started at Pye's Landing on Clearwater Bay, then moved on to Bigstone Lodge on Pine Portage Bay.

Barbara had a big heart and a good sense of humour and as you might suspect, made many friends. In particular, Val McLeod became the lifelong sister she never had. They lived next door to each other in the city and at the lake. Val spent countless hours comforting Barbara during her time at Riverview.

The family will honour Barbara in a Celebration of Life that will be organized and announced in the coming months.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to CancerCare Manitoba and the Riverview Health Centre, both of whom provided outstanding care for Barbara.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 16, 2025