BARBARA LOUISE HAMILTON (MULLIGAN)

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BARBARA LOUISE HAMILTON (nee MULLIGAN) Barbara Louise Hamilton (nee Mulligan) of Winnipeg passed away at the Lions Center on Tuesday. November 26, 2002. With family at her side the Last Rites were administered. Barbara was a faithful and devoted Catholic, living her faith as a lifelong parishioner at "Saint Eds". "Babs" was born in Winnipeg on March 12, 1913, the youngest of four sisters in the family of six children to Andrew and Barbara Mulligan (nee McDougall). She lost her mother at the age of three but fortunately had the love and care from the remaining family including her grandma. Mom often related the adventures and the independence earned during summers at "Cut-Away Inn", at Winnipeg Beach. She completed her schooling in Winnipeg but instead of seeking outside work chose to stay and help with her dads grocery business. On January 10, 1931, Mom and Dad were married, blessed with five children, lived at home on Bannatyne for 50 years. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary before her husband John, Moms constant companion and best friend, passed away December 31, 1999. Mom was also predeceased by daughter Peggy (1941) and eldest son John (1992) brother Andrew; and sisters, Rhoda and Margaret. Mom is survived by sister Mary (California), brother Timothy (Victoria), daughter Dorothy (Ray) of Winnipeg, and granddaughters, Kathy (Winnipeg), Kelly (Dean), and great-grand-daughter Madison (New Zealand), Karen (Luke) of New Zealand, son Donald (Lynda) of Brandon, and grandchildren, Grant (Brandon), Graeme (Halifax), Dianne (Australia), and Alison (Brandon), son Patrick (Nancy) and grand-children, Kimberly, Michelle and Scott, (Winnipeg), daughter-in-law Patricia (John) of Winnipeg and grandchildren, Jeffrey (Laura) and great-grandchildren, Tara and Jaime (Winnipeg), Laura (Dean) of Calgary, Shelagh (Rob) of Edmonton and many nieces and nephews. Mom, the consummate homemaker, lived in the kitchen but when not there could often be found in the garden. Producing, sharing and preserving the harvest kept the family in year-round enjoyment of these special treats. Her sweet tooth also provided us with the joy of special desserts and treats. Her love of flowers, especially the lovingly tended roses proudly blooming beside the front door, were generously shared with family and friends. Mom loved family events, camping adventures, berry picking, fudge making, corn roasts, picnics, hosting "Club 39", travels across North America keeping in touch with friends and relatives, and special winter escapes to Florida, Louisiana, California and Hawaii. Mom was a strong and independent person who put the needs of others ahead of hers, truly a faithful friend and wonderful mother. Blessed with good health most of her life, she did successfully fight cancer many years ago. She faced all challenges with prayer, contemplation and strong resolve. In the past year Mom moved from Bolton Bay into supportive care at Rosewood then subsequently to the Lions Centre, gracefully accepting with class their caring and social environments. Many thanks for all of those who provided Mom the much appreciated comfort and care. Mom will be particularly remembered for her own nurturing, kindness, generosity, ready compliments, eternally optimistic spirit, warm smile and the little and large things she did for each of us us. She was totally supportive of her family, ever encouraging, accepting, motivating and loving. Mother will be deeply missed by all family and friends, grateful for having her as part of our lives for so many years. A private funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 29 at Saint Edwards Church, with Moms ashes interred next to Dad at Chapel Lawn, "forever together". In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations, in memory of Barbara, may be made to a cancer fund.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 29, 2002