BARBARA ANN COUTURE

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BARBARA ANN COUTURE (nee BENSON) October 11, 1932- March 22, 2015 With some tears and some laughter, because it was her request, we announce the passing of Barbara Couture on Sunday, March 22, 2015. Peacefully at home in Gimli, with her dedicated husband Paul and her five children surrounding her with love, she walked into the arms of her angels. Mom was married for 60 wonderful years to Paul, who survives her. Their marriage was a beautiful example of commitment, respect, love, and laughter. Her five children, their spouses, and all her grandchildren will cherish all she taught us to be. Her children, Cathy (Wayne Benz), Joanne (Charlie Burns), Mike (Patricia Eschuk), Michele (Giuseppe Dalzotto), Doug (Alana Schoepp); her grandchildren, Lisa (Derek Hoffart), Kristy, Matthew (Tegan), Sarah, Charles, Hannah, Nick, James, Emmett and Hayes, plus honorary grandchildren Jon and Thor, each hold fond memories close. Her soon-to-be-born great-grandchild "Baby" Hoffart brought Mom enormous joy. She and her siblings Rob, Terry, Bev, Lynne and Rosemary shared many epic times together. She is predeceased by her parents as well as her brother Mike. Born in Loon Lake, Saskatchewan to Edward and Marjorie Benson, Mom was raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the eldest of seven children. She attended St. Ignatius School and St. Mary's Academy. She was a caring wife, an extraordinary Mom, and a much loved grandmother. She had a magical way of touching the hearts of all those she met. Her friendship and grace warmed many lives and extended far beyond her home. Her diverse skills include, but are not limited to knitting, sewing, exceptional culinary talents, and monumental baking super powers. She excelled at keeping the cookie monsters in her house happy, as well as all our friends. She curled, bowled, downhill skied, golfed, tried tubing at the young age of 77 and sea dooing at 81. She volunteered with St. Ignatius CWL, serving a term as president. She was integral in welcoming new comers from Vietnam, and built relationships that extended over decades. In Gimli she volunteered with Evergreen Basic Needs, the Hospital Auxiliary and New Horizons. If a person was in need, Mom was there. She showered people with her affection and had a special gift for reaching out. Special memories include her dancing queen presence; sharing laughter, quiet conversations and heated debates. We remember exchanging thoughts and dreams in quiet times. Mom had an infectious enthusiasm and excitement over visiting company, as well as taking trips near and far. Mom was always more excited about Christmas morning than her grandkids. Her notoriously well stocked pantry was legendary. Above all we remember her wisdom, strength, flair, and gentle spirit. Through Mom and Dad, we are linked together forever in positive spirit, a passion for life, laughter, and a boundless depth of love. Warm thanks go out to her palliative and Home Care givers Laura and Brenda and above all, her very special nurse, Carol. In addition, the family wants to thank Mom's dear friend Norma, who sat for many an hour with us in the last two weeks sharing stories, memories, joy and tears. A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2015, at 11:00 a.m., in the St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, Gimli, with a reception to follow. Please join us to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gimli Hospital Auxiliary fund. "You're in the arms of an angel, may you find some comfort here." Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 28, 2015