BARBARA EILEEN STARNES HASTINGS

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BARBARA EILEEN STARNES HASTINGS Suddenly in Winnipeg, December 5, 2005, at the age of 82 years. Barbara is survived by her children, Garry (Nancy), Barbara Daune, Tim (Donna), Pat (Lisa); and grandchildren, Tiffany (Glenn), Katie, Michael, Sasha, Lana, Avery and Lee; and great-grandchild Cody. She is also survived by her brother Eric Starnes, her many relatives, and lifelong friends in England and dear friend Brenda Buchholz. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Stephen and son Robbie, and in England by her mother Mabel, father Frank, brother Tony and sister Mavis. Mum was born in Glynde, Sussex, England on March 16, 1923. She met Dad during the Second World War while he served with the Canadian Army. They married in 1942 and moved together to Winnipeg after the war ended in 1945. They shared their lives for 56 years, totally devoted to each other and their children. On their 50th wedding anniversary, they returned to Glynde, Sussex to renew their marriage vows in the same church and in the presence of all of the members of their original wedding party. Mum lived in her adopted home of Winnipeg throughout her married life, proud to be Canadian but always connected to her home in Britain. She, together with Steve, were the founders of Hastings Hearing Centres where they worked tirelessly together until their retirement. Once retired, Mum and Dad spent 18 winters in their home in San Juan Capistrano, CA, travelled the world, especially home to England, but always returning home every summer to be with their family. They had a rich and fulfilling life together. Mum was a strong, loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She cared deeply for her family and supported them all in meeting life's challenges. She suffered the loss of a son at birth, another son Robbie at age two and one half years, her husband Steve in 1999, as well as 30 years of rheumatoid arthritis and yet she was always able to maintain her joy of life and her dignity. Mum sorely missed Dad after his passing but continued to be independent and active, driving, swimming regularly at the Y, sewing, gardening, cooking, reading, cruising the Internet on her home computer and travelling extensively. She was intensely proud of her children and grandchildren and their accomplishments and tried to support everyone the best way she knew how. She was the proud matriarch of the family, the Queen Bee . Mum will be sadly missed by her family and friends but we take comfort in knowing that she and Dad are together again forever. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 10 at 11:00 a.m. at Bardal Funeral Chapel, 843 Sherbrook St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Arthritis Society or the charity of one's choice. BARDAL FUNERAL HOME CREMATORIUM 843 Sherbrook Street, 774-7474 Condolences: www.bardal.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 08, 2005