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BARBARA EDYTHE DE SMEDT Obituary pic BARBARA EDYTHE DE SMEDT Obituary pic

BARBARA EDYTHE DE SMEDT

Born: Dec 12, 1934

Date of Passing: Jul 29, 2023

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BARBARA EDYTHE DE SMEDT

December 12, 1934 – July 29, 2023


After a diagnosis of end stage pancreatic cancer in late June, Barbara was admitted to Grace Hospice. Resilient and oriented to the end, she passed away peacefully in her sleep at 88 years, with family present on July 29, 2023.



Barbara is survived by her husband of 64 years, Peter; son Mark, (Debbie Woodhouse); grandchildren, Ryan, Olivia, Emily, Jenna, and Ethan; great-grandson Parker; and daughter Heather (Jeffrey Hartry); grandchildren Connor, Jolene, and Kathleen. She was predeceased by her parents Dean and Helen Mairs; her brother Jack and her daughter Jocelyn Denise



She was born in Brougham, Ont. In 1956 she was a graduate of Nursing at Oshawa General Hospital. In 1957 she joined Trans-Canada Air Lines (Air Canada) on the last cohort of flight attendants required to be an R.N.



Following her marriage to Peter in 1959, she travelled extensively, 21 moves as a military wife giving outstanding support to her family. Completing a nursing refresher course in 1982, she finished her career at Seven Oaks General Hospital.



Described as intelligent, insightful, humorous, compassionate, hardworking, and gracious, she participated in many volunteer activities; Living Prairie Museum, Adopt a Grandparent, Osbourne House and Assiniboine Park Conservatory to mention a few.



An avid Toronto Maple Leafs fan (nobody is perfect!) and Blue Bombers fan, being a season ticket holder since 1986, she insisted on TV in hospice only to watch CFL games.



Curling, gardening, and knitting were some of Barbara’s hobbies. While in hospice her lifelong friend Valda completed a quilt, she had started at 16 years of age – many thanks.



Her primary enjoyment was family, especially her grandchildren. She was actively engaged and supportive and never missed an opportunity to be boastful!



The family would like to thank the staff at 3U4 Seven Oaks General Hospital, Dr. St. Godard, and the palliative care team at Grace Hospice for their exceptional support to Barbara.



In lieu of floral tributes, contributions may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or charity of choice. As per Barbara’s wishes, there will be no formal service, instead a private family memorial will be held.



Family has been blessed to have such a loving, funny, insightful champion in our lives. We are grateful that she is following her last words of advice to us:

“Go get some rest. You look tired.”



Rest well Mom. You will be greatly missed.

Condolences may be sent to www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 05, 2023

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

  • Dear Pete We are sorry to hear this news of Barb’ s passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Old memories of Gimli and Cold Lake. Sincerely Fred and Karen - Posted by: Fred & Karen Mueller (Old acquaintances) on: Sep 10, 2023

  • We would like to express our condolences to Peter and family. We have fond memories of our shared experiences in Europe in the seventies. Camillia and Mike Hawkes - Posted by: Camilla and Mike Hawkes (Military connection) on: Sep 10, 2023

  • Dear Peter. Sharron and I would like to offer our most sincere condolences on the passing of your most charming and wonderful wife, Barb. We have fond memories of our time together, particularly when you and Barb led our team at 417 Squadron at Cold Lake. She was a wonderful gal and she contributed to so many great memories of this time in our lives. May God bless her soul! Lloyd & Sharron Campbell - Posted by: Lloyd & Sharron Campbell (Friends) on: Sep 10, 2023

  • Peter. I am so sorry to learn of Barbara’s death. I have fond memories of fun bridge games with her in Winnipeg. My condolences to you and the family. Pat Firth - Posted by: Pat Firth (Friend) on: Sep 10, 2023

  • Sympathies in the loss of Barbara. May your memories keep you strong at this most difficult time🙏 - Posted by: Phyllis Huyghebaert (Yogi) (Friend) on: Sep 10, 2023

  • Peter and family: I was so sorry to hear about Barb’s passing. We haven’t been in contact for a long time, mainly because of distance. But I still remember all the memories from summers at the cottage. Also our windshield tour of Winnipeg when Fran and I were heading to Vancouver. I would love to touch base with you sometime. Take care. Edna - Posted by: Edna Madill (Cousin ) on: Sep 03, 2023

  • Peter and Family, My thoughts are with at this tme. I remember Barb from Cold Lake and Gimli. May she rest in peace. PDL - Posted by: Patrick Ledgerwoo (Fellow Pilo) on: Aug 17, 2023

  • Dear Peter and Family, Our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved Barbara. Barbara's was a life well lived and I know she will be sorrowfully missed by you, the family and all who knew and loved her. May Christ, the Source of all Comfort, be with you in the days ahead. Sincerely in friendship, Sharleine Haycock & Robert Gillet - Posted by: Sharleine Haycock (Friends) on: Aug 16, 2023

  • Peter and family: on behalf of the Executive and Members of 500 (City of Winnipeg) Wing Royal Canadian Air Force Association, please accept our heartfelt and sincere condolences. May a life well-lived bring you comfort and strength during this time of loss. Per Ardua Ad Astra. - Posted by: Jason Graveline (500 Wing RCAF Association) on: Aug 14, 2023

  • Peter, my sincere condolences in your loss. I did not have the opportunity to meet Barbara, however, please remain strong during this very difficult time. Take care and God Bless. - Posted by: John S. Zabudney (Friends and former Colleagues, City of Winnipeg) on: Aug 05, 2023

  • Peter and Family: We are sorry to learn of Barbara's passing. Barbara was a delightful person to know and her loss will be deeply felt by your family and all who knew her. Sincere condolences in your loss and may peace be with you during this difficult time. - Posted by: Jae & Rhoda Eadie (friends and former colleagues on Winnipeg City Council) on: Aug 05, 2023

Wojcik’s All Beliefs & Faiths Funeral Chapel (Portage Avenue)

Wojcik’s All Beliefs & Faiths Funeral Chapel (Portage Avenue)

2157 Portage Avenue at Sharp Boulevard (Map)
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