BARBARA (BARB) DALY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

BARBARA (BARB) DALY

(PICKARD)

Barbara (Barb) Daly (Pickard) passed away at the Victoria General Hospital, with her family by her side on December 6, 2023.

Barb was born in Souris, Manitoba in 1935 to George and Doris Pickard. When she was five years old her family, which now included her younger brother Bill, moved to Winnipeg.

Barb grew up in Wolseley on Lenore Street. Her Grandparents lived across the street from her and after the war her uncle and aunt came to live with the family too. This closeness to family was always important to Barb and followed her, her entire life.

Barb met the love of her life at 18, Jim Daly, and they were married a short time later in 1954. Barb and Jim were married for 64 years when Jim passed away in 2019. Barb supported Jim in all his athletic endeavors. From hosting track athletes, to being the rock at home while he travelled to the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and put on the 1967 Pan Am Games (to just name a few!). Barb and Jim were truly a team and a huge support of each other’s dreams.

Barb and Jim raised 4 beautiful children on Olive Street, in St. James. Tim, Robin, Jeff and Brian; they were immensely proud of everything their children accomplished. Barb was a loving and supportive mother and she always said she loved those busy years when the kids were young. Barb has always loved the arts and being creative. She was a very accomplished sewer and knitter. While the kids were small, she was the host of a local morning TV show “Sewing with Barb”. Barb was an avid volunteer with the Junior League and later after retirement the Children’s Hospital. Her oldest son has very fond memories of her coming to his school and seeing her act and voice a puppet during a puppet show.

Barb attended Laura Secord and Gordon Bell High School, she graduated early from high school and attended the University of Manitoba graduating with a degree in Education. During her time at university, she joined the sorority Gamma Phi Beta, making life-long connections and friends. Education was very important to Barb and her family. Her father was an educator and her mother also graduated from the University of Manitoba in the 1920’s when it was not common for women to attend. As a family we now have 4 generations of women graduating from the University of Manitoba. Having 4 children in 7 years put Barb’s teaching career on hold. However, when her children were of age to attend university, Barb went too! She headed back to the University of Manitoba and completed a degree in Human Ecology / Family Studies. After graduation, Barb worked for 20 years at Child and Family Services and enjoyed her time there.

Barb grew up with a family cottage in Ponemah where she had many fond memories with her parents and brother Bill. Barb loved swimming and loved being busy outdoors. Barb and Jim rented cottages for years while the kids were young in Matlock and Victoria Beach. In their retirement Barb and Jim bought their cottage at Victoria Beach. While Jim golfed and played tennis Barb busily did all the tile work in the kitchen and built her beautiful mini chairs which are still on display. She loved her cottage, she and Jim hosted countless get-togethers with friends and family there.

Barb and Jim also had a close relationship with Jim’s brother Denis and his wife Lois. Barb and Denis worked countless hours at his family’s property in St. Francis Xavier. She loved working in the garden and her children have memories of her helping Denis re-roof the house!



Barb and Jim loved to travel to Mexico and Arizona in the winters and to visit their sons and their families in Calgary. They eventually sold the house in St. James and retired in Charleswood. When Jim passed away Barb moved to Riverwood Square to be closer to her daughter.

Missing Barb are her son Tim (Berrin) and their sons Kyle and Sean; daughter Robin Flynn (Brian) and their two children Jessica (Mike) and David (Sarah); her son Jeff (Calla) and their son Tom (Yelena); and her son Brian. Barb also leaves great-grand-children Hailey, Will and Brooke Flynn. Barb leaves behind her extended family and all those who loved and cared for her at Riverwood Square. Barb was predeceased by her husband of 64 years Jim Daly and her grandson Christopher Daly.

The last line in her yearbook still rings true: “Now the name of Barbara Pickard will add luster and pleasant memories of a poised and friendly girl who by her charming personality has charmed us all”. She did, she charmed us all.

A celebration of Barb’s life will be announced later.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 30, 2023, Dec 30, 2023