BARBARA (BABS) STEVENS

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BARBARA (BABS) STEVENS

Barbara Edith Stevens (née Garson) passed away at West Park Manor in Winnipeg on November 11, 2025. She was 98.

Barbara (Babs) was born in Madras (now Chennai), India in 1927, as a British subject. With her parents in continuous motion with the British Army, Babs attended school in Bangalore (Bengaluru), the Peshawar area, Simla, and Secunderabad. With India's independence in 1947, Babs advocated for the family to move to the excitement of Canada, and the family settled in Winnipeg. There, Babs worked in clerical jobs and joined the Canadian Air Force Reserve. She achieved the highest score in Canada on her radar exam in spite of differences with her instructor, Fred Stevens. Several years later, after a few gyrations, Babs and Fred were married at St Mary's Church in Winnipeg on a wintery Grey Cup Day, November 24, 1956. They purchased a house in the Fort Rouge community of Winnipeg after she challenged Fred to see who would save the most for the deposit in the months leading to the wedding (Babs handily won). Babs became a full time homemaker with the birth of their children, Kent and April.

The young family moved to Toronto in 1962 as Fred progressed in his career. Babs and Fred were active in the elementary school Parent Teacher Association. Babs yearned to live in England. In early 1971, Fred accepted a role there, and the family moved to Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. There, Babs contributed artistic creations to the local church fairs and participated actively in social activities in the community, as well as enjoying taking care of a large garden with an orchard, rose gardens and a large vegetable plot. The family was lucky to enjoy several holidays on the European continent. Returning to Winnipeg in 1975, Babs and Fred settled in Crestview (west Winnipeg). Babs took computer courses and worked for Air Canada in data entry for several years. They became active members of the local ANAF club where Babs taught line dancing, and she and Fred traveled to conventions across the country.

With a particular flair for artistry, Babs painted many beautiful scenes, created family Christmas cards, and designed and sewed ambitious clothing and costumes for herself and family as well as various furnishings. She loved entertaining, baking and gardening.

Later years were spent taking care of Fred in his decline. Following a paralyzing fall, Babs became a force and agitator amongst the residents of West Park Manor Personal Care Home. Babs passed peacefully after many struggles in recent years.

Babs was predeceased by husband Fred, brother David Garson, sister Jacqueline McAndrew (Jacqui), parents, Hilda Garson and James Garson, brothers-in-law Ron Stevens, Arthur Stevens and Frank Mikuska, niece Julie Mikuska, and nephew Dene Stevens. Babs is survived by son Kent and his daughter Olivia, daughter April and her husband David Wells and her son Julian, sisters-in-law Shirley Mikuska, Irene Stevens, Joan Garson and their children, and many other family members.

The family would like to thank the staff of West Park Manor of Winnipeg for many years of service and care for Babs. Donations in memory of Babs may be sent to the Alzheimer Society of Canada (in honour of Fred) and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (in honour of Babs' parents).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 22, 2025