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BARBARA VALERIE PALEY
Born: Jan 10, 1945
Date of Passing: May 17, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryBARBARA VALERIE PALEY
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Valerie Paley (née Melnyk), who passed away peacefully in her sleep.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents, John and Etta Melnyk, and by her brother John Melnyk. She leaves behind her loving husband of many years, Peter Paley; her devoted son Peter Paley and his husband Alix; her brothers Wally (Tammy) and Donald (Judi); her sisters Gerri (Jonathan) and Phyllis (Barry); her sisters-in-law Maureen Taylor and Nadine Melnyk; and her many cherished nieces and nephews: Tom, Joanne Steve, Christie, Michael, Jason, Matthew, Jordan, Trisha, Troy and Ty.
Barbara grew up on the family farm stead on Beecher Avenue in Old Kildonan. Farm life shaped her strong work ethic and caring nature from a young age. As a farm girl, she learned how to tend gardens, care for animals, and help her family with the daily chores that came with rural life. Those early years created the foundation for the hardworking, generous, and grounded woman she would become.
Her first job was at Weston Bakery, where she worked diligently before beginning an exciting new chapter as a flight attendant with Air Canada. It was during her time with the airline that a smitten young man captured her heart, and Barbara and Peter were married in November,1969.
After spending several years living and working in Toronto, Barbara and Peter returned home to Winnipeg.
In 1974, they purchased their first home and welcomed their only son, Peter. Barbara chose to leave her career to become a stay-at-home mother, dedicating herself fully to raising her son and creating a loving home. To Peter Jr., she was the very best mother anyone could ever ask for.
Barbara was an avid gardener, talented crafter, and gifted storyteller. She had an incredible ability to make a room burst into laughter with her stories, honesty, wit, and perfect sense of timing. Family meant everything to her, and she loved her parents, brothers, and sisters deeply. She especially cherished the time she spent with her mother during their weekly Tuesday visits after work. Whenever someone needed help, support, or even a healthy dose of honesty and reality, Barbara was always the first person there.
Later in life, after raising her son, Barbara returned to work with the Government of Manitoba in the telecommunications department as a receptionist. Her desk quickly became the heart of the office. Colleagues were drawn to her warmth, kindness, treats, and welcoming spirit. She always had time for a conversation, words of encouragement, or something sweet to brighten someone’s day.
In retirement, Barbara found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She spent countless happy hours tending to her vegetable and flower gardens and looked forward to the weekly visits from Peter, Alix, and their dogs. The dogs especially loved visiting Baba’s house, where they were always spoiled with cooked chicken and homemade broth.
Barbara will be remembered for her warmth, humour, generosity, honesty, and unwavering love for her family. She made people feel cared for, welcomed, and important. Whether through a meal shared around the table, vegetables from her garden, thoughtful advice, or stories that left everyone laughing, Barbara touched countless lives in ways both big and small.
To her family, she was the heart of the home, a loving wife, devoted mother, daughter, proud sister and aunt, and a cherished dog-Baba. The lessons she taught through hard work, saving, resilience, compassion, and unconditional love will remain with her family forever.
Though her passing leaves an immeasurable void, her family finds comfort in the beautiful memories she created and the love she leaves behind. Each spring, as the flowers bloom and the gardens grow once again, Barbara’s spirit will be lovingly remembered.
She will be forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.
In lieu of flowers, please make an anonymous donation to your favourite charity.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 23, 2026
