JEAN BARNSON

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JEAN BARNSON March 10, 1915 - August 11, 2004 Quietly while tending her flower garden, Jean, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother slipped away to join her life partner, Kully. Born, raised and educated in Winnipeg, Jean met her husband Carl while working in her fathers restaurant (Stans Cafe) on Eveline Street in Selkirk. Jean and Carl were married on February 19, 1936 and worked closely together for the next 62 years. They started out in the carpentry business, then owned and operated Carls Grocery on Main Street, Selkirk for 18 years and then built and renovated houses until their retirement in 1980. They knew and worked with many of the Selkirk residents in those years. Having a green thumb, house plants and gardens flourished under Jeans nurturing care. She enjoyed tending her multi-coloured flower beds, raspberries, strawberries, apple and plum trees until this year when failing health and poor eyesight prevented her from doing so. Her family was the central core by which her life revolved. Generous with her time and advice, she was sought out for her business sense and sage wisdom. She looked forward to her weekly phone calls from her daughter-in-law (Vickie), grandchildren, and daily call from friend Leona. She eagerly anticipated summer visits from out of town family. Visiting relatives were often treated to hands on experience in plumbing, electrical work, shimming doors, roof tarring or lawn mower repair. No one left without attaining at least one of these skills. When she could no longer participate in these activities, she could accurately instruct others to do so. Quilting hand carded woolen quilts and knitting sweaters for her family was Jeans winter project. Timmy, her canary, kept her company between visits from family. Mentally alert and physically active, Jean preferred to shovel snow in winter and mow her own lawn to keep fit (seldom heeding her doctors advice to "slow down"). Despite her failing eyesight Jean remained in her own home as her own independent spirit dictated. Accepting assistance from Home Care since June, Jean was particularly fond of Bertha and Karen for their kindness. Predeceased by her husband Carl (Kully) in 1998; daughter Vi in 1999; grandson Benzie 2003; sister Minnie; and brothers, Stan, Nick, Danny and Johnny. Jean leaves to mourn her sons, Bob (Vickie) and Art (Donna) and son-in-law Walt Cook; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Barney Barnson (Carol) Clay, Cody, Clint; Valdeen Short (Gene) Reese; Jim Barnson (Marjke) Erika; Cindy Barnson Craig, Lee, Bailey; Carl Barnson (Christine) Scott, Daniel; Bill Cook; Tracey Cook; Tammy Topp (Brian) Paul, Ashley; Christine Cantor (David) Joash, Avniel, Shoshana; Brent Barnson. Nieces and nephews: Ralph Larson, Gordon Barnson (Lorraine), Betty Hart (Colin) Joyce Fore, Wayne Martin (Dianne) and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Cremation as per Jeans wishes has taken place. A Memorial Service to celebrate Jeans life will be held on Tuesday, August 17 at 10:30 a.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk, MB. Interment to follow in the Lutheran Cemetery. She will be sadly missed. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 14, 2004