BARBARA JAMES (HILL)

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BARBARA JAMES (nee HILL) Peacefully on May 10, 2005, with her husband Gerry and beloved daughter Niki at her side, Barbara passed away. Barb leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 30 years Gerry Smokal; daughter and son-in-law Niki and Doug Steinke; granddaughters, Hannah and Alia; her son Michael James; grandchildren, Kira and Kean. Barb also leaves her mother Eva Hill; brothers, Bill (Cindy) Sinkant-Hill, Doug (Keri) Hill, Dennis (Janet) Hill, Russell (Sylvia) Hill, Ron Hill, Glen (Mercy) Hill, and her sister Dolores (Craig) Atkins as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Barb is predeceased by her dad John (Jack) Hill and her grandparents, Alma and William Sanderson. Barb was born on January 3, 1947. She was the second child and first girl born to Jack and Eva Hill, followed by six more siblings. As the eldest girl she worked very hard to help her mother with the rest of the children. She grew up in Charleswood and attended school there until she joined the workforce. Barbara worked for several law firms during her career, including Simkin Cantor-Gallagher (for 17 years). For the past nine years she was employed by Crocus Investment Fund as a Senior Administrative Assistant. Barb will always be remembered for her amazing wit and her ability to make any situation funny (no matter how offensive). Barb put up a very tough front, but the people that knew her best knew she was as loving and caring as they come. At work some people jokingly referred to her as Sunny (because of her sunny disposition of course), but she honestly was the sunshine in many lives. She was someone very special and will always be in our hearts. Mom really showed her true self when she was with her grandchildren. She loved them all very deeply and spent much of her time with them. She was a very young grandma, in fact she was still able to jump on a trampoline with them last summer. My mom put up a courageous battle with cancer. Through it all she kept her dignity and her ability to laugh. She had no idea how beautiful she was (inside and out), but the people around her did. Special thanks to Dr. Krepart and Irene at CancerCare at the Health Sciences Centre. Also thanks to Dr. Kanje and all the wonderful nurses at Stonewall Hospital - you made many difficult times a little easier. A service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 12 at MacKenzie Funeral Home in Stonewall. In lieu of flowers, donations to CancerCare Manitoba in Barbara's name would be appreciated. MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall, in care of arrangements.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 12, 2005