MARY BARKWELL

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MARY BARKWELL Suddenly on November 13, 2004, at Victoria Hospital, Mary Barkwell, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and widow of the late Ted Barkwell passed away in her 75th year. Mary was predeceased by her parents, John and Nettie Sauchan; and her brother Steve. Remaining to cherish her memory are daughters, Linda Murray (Don) and Nancy; and son Butch (Kim) grandchildren, Evan (Natalie), Christie and Alanna Murray and Brittany, Blake and Brooke Barkwell; brother Dr. John Sauchan; and many friends and relatives. Born in Winnipeg on October 3, 1929 Mary lived here throughout her entire life, growing up in Fort Rouge and graduating from Kelvin High School. Mary and Ted were married on June 13, 1953 and set up a home in the Fort Garry area. She left the matter of running the family business to Ted and made running a loving, nurturing home her business. Mary was the matriarch of her family in every sense of the word and right up until that last day her home was the centre of family life. No matter the season or the occasion Marys home was alive with fun, festivity, family, friends and above all, grandchildren. From pool parties and barbecues to Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and just plain Sunday dinners, the family came together at Grams house. In her younger days Mary was a bowler and she was an avid bridge player throughout her adult life. In later years she took up golf and thoroughly enjoyed her Friday mornings with the Ladies League at Crescent Drive. Mary loved to travel, initially with Ted and later with friends and family members, particularly daughter Nancy and her grandchildren. She also spent some time each year relaxing at her place in Florida. While she may have been an amateur golfer, Mary had a true expertise in "consumer transactions". She proudly referred to herself as a "professional shopper". She spent countless hours perfecting her craft and always did much more shopping than buying. Mary was a devout adherent of the Catholic Church. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life and she ensured that her children had a strong grounding in their religion. She was also proud of her Ukrainian heritage and saw to it that her daughters took Ukrainian dance lessons at Holy Family Church. It is simply not possible to adequately describe such a life in a few lines. Mary was proud of her children and was devoted to her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She was a nurturer and a selfless caregiver and a loyal friend to many. She loved and was loved. On top of it all she had a sly sense of humour and could give as good as she got. She will always live in our hearts. Prayers will be said at Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1001 Grant at Harrow on Thursday, November 18 at 7:00 p.m., Fr. Mark Gnutel the celebrant. Funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church on Friday, November 19 at 11:00 a.m. Pallbearers will be Evan Murray, Blake Barkwell, Bud McCormick, Brian Derrett, Ron Castelane and Pat Coughlin. In lieu of flowers friends may make donations to the Ted Barkwell Memorial Fund, in care of University of Manitoba, Department of Private Funding, 179 Continuing Education Complex, Winnipeg, MB R3T 3K8. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY 1291 McGILLIVRAY BLVD. - 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 19, 2004