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PHYLLIS BARICH Phyllis, loving and beloved wife of Helmut, left us way too soon, not long after having had a hemorrhagic stroke, from which it seemed at first she could recover. It was not to be. Phyllis came to Winnipeg in 1980 from her home in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario to take on a job as film librarian in the Manitoba Department of Education, but ending her working life as librarian manager at Red River Community College at the Princess Street campus. We are all the richer, and grateful for the fact that she never left Manitoba again, despite often declaiming that her heart remained in Ontario, where she had grown up as the eldest in a family of seven, all of whom remain easterners, and besides, the autumn leaves are more colourful there! She was proud of her Scottish and Croatian heritages, having begun to research her roots in those places for her own sake, but for her larger family's interest, too. We knew her from so many perspectives, as a loyal, compassionate friend to us all; or as a competent and knowledgeable and professional colleague and mentor; or as a humble, yet strong person ready to respond with enthusiasm and joy and energy when invited to enter any relationship, or undertake any task. Phyllis will be missed and mourned by sisters Pat, Monica, Rebecca, and brothers Steve and George and all of their families. Gone before are her parents Peter and Betty, sister Teresa, and brother Peter, all of whom she continued to mourn to this day. Phyllis was proud and loved their nine grandchildren and a recently arrived great- granddaughter. Helmut's children Susan (Tim), Peter, Lorraine (Jeff), Greg, and Linda meant a lot to her. Also remaining are sisters-in-law, Hedie, Shelley, and Emma, many uncles and aunts and cousins and nieces and nephews, and dear and loyal friends across Canada, in Michigan, in Scotland, Israel, and Asia. Our farewells and tributes to Phyllis will be offered on Monday, December 15, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Clarion Hotel, 1445 Portage Avenue. (Parking is available in parkade immediately east of hotel.) Phyllis was generous and supported many charities. Under the circumstances, should anyone wish to do so, donations in her memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba would serve to support our commitment to helping to ensure a more coordinated health response to strokes which it seems, does not now exist in Manitoba. The family thanks everyone for their expressions of support.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 13, 2014
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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We met in London Ontario. She was doing her MLS and I was finishing my BA. We lived in the same house and shared the kitchen. Our friendship grew but we lost touch after one visit to Winnipeg. A wonderful person. I have a photo of us which I wanted to share but unable to here. - Posted by: Nadia Comeau (Dear university friend ) on: Jun 02, 2020
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Phyllis achieved so much in her life ... personally and professionally. She emanated warmth and enthusiasm. She will be sadly missed. - Posted by: jill and rudi barich () on: Dec 17, 2014
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I was shocked to see the obituary today as Phyllis has always been such a vibrant personality. Although I have not seen Phyllis in a number of years, I will always remember her outgoing personality and her warmth. My sincere condolences to Helmut and family. - Posted by: Eleanor Epp (former collegue plus we both married into the Epp clan) on: Dec 15, 2014
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I appreciated getting to know Phyllis when she served as Film Librarian. Both then an later when we met at various functions in the company of Helmut, I, and also my wife Ellie, felt blessed by the gracious and friendly attention she gave us. - Posted by: John Dyck (Administrative Head, Manitoba Education, when Phyllis joined to work in the Library) on: Dec 14, 2014
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Phyllis was a very pleasant lady,fits in any enviroment she is put in, also very socialable. - Posted by: Elizabeth Dickson () on: Dec 13, 2014