- Brandon Sun Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
BARBARA CLARKE
A quiet change maker; who always gave of herself. No truer friend. No prouder mother. A believer that all beings deserve ultimate dignity and opportunity. Barbara loved this life, and lived every day with humility, faith and authenticity. She worked for the betterment of others and ensured that when something was done, it was done well. She was a believer in the power of education and as her father taught her, that all people should follow their true paths.
Barbara Clarke (nee Martin), known by some as Barb and Barbie, and by one as Mum, passed on September 24, 2024, in much the same fashion as she lived her life, with the final act of kindness that was her organ donation, that may extend the life of another. In the days leading up to this, she channeled her concerns for the world into a new garden with her daughter Suzanne. Every day she found a way, both small and large, to improve the lives of those around her, locally and afar.
When she spoke to you, there was no one else that mattered more. When she loved you, there could be nothing purer. When she believed something, she would persistently and thoughtfully drive anyone around her to know the same; building the belief that a better world was possible and there was much to be grateful for.
Barbara never raised her voice; yet she could capture a room. Born in a generation where certain paths were chosen, she learned from her father to make her own journey, settling for nothing and working hard every step of the way.
Born in England, growing up in the Caribbean and building her life in Canada, Barbara leaves her daughter Suzanne and son-in-law Lindsay Robinson, niece Kerry Hunter, and other extended family, dear friends and chosen family from every aspect of her life from Canada, Trinidad and England.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Youth Without Shelter, The Salvation Army or the Humber Arboretum, in her memory. Smile at the next stranger you meet and consider how beautiful the world around us is; persistently making your own bit of difference in it, just as she did.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 26, 2024, Sep 26, 2024
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
-
I met Barbara at Westworth United church & enjoyed conversing with her after the service. I noticed her brightly coloured fabric/quilted book bag & immediately recognized a kindred spirit. She will be greatly missed. Condolences to family & friends. - Posted by: Leigh Jaques (Church friend) on: Oct 15, 2024
-
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Barbara's passing. I only knew her for a short time when she started attending Westworth United Church. We were together in a study group and I came to appreciate her intelligence and soft spoken wisdom. When I read her lovingly written obituary I realized there was so much more that I didn't know about her. My sincere condolences go out to her family and friends. Kathy Wilson (Westworth United Church friend). - Posted by: Kathy Wilson (friend) on: Sep 28, 2024
-
It was a few months ago that Barbara came to Westworth Church. I noticed her as a newcomer right away, and thinking she was somewhat frail, I ventured across the room to welcome and “assist” her on that first morning. What a delight! She thanked me so much for coming over…. and could I find out how she could get the new study book in time for our first study session? There was nothing frail about Barbara’s spirit. I was privileged to sit beside her during that study group and I will always think of her fondly as one of my wise sisters in faith. My sympathy to you, her family — and thank you for bringing Barbara to Winnipeg and Westworth. With thanksgiving for her life lived and the love shared… rest in peace. - Posted by: Marilyn Anderson Corkum (Church friend) on: Sep 26, 2024
-
To my dearest friend Barbara. You were a best friend, so generous, kind and true to your beliefs which were noble and needed in this world. I will forever remember our very special friendship with our similar life experience as single Moms, raising our children as best we could with each other`s support. You raised a pretty amazing daughter in Suzanne. You two are family to us. Suzanne will carry your legacy, and you will most surely live on in my heart and in so many others. You made a huge difference in this world and you will be missed. I love you with all my heart. Debbe - Posted by: Debbe Crookes-Rogers (Friend) on: Sep 26, 2024
-
I met Barb about 8 years ago when she volunteered at the THP hospitals as a "volunteer patient" for Medical Students to interview and do examinations. She started off just volunteering for the Rheumatoid sessions, but enjoyed it so much, she signed up for other sessions that had nothing to do with arthritis. She was always so kind, and giving of her time. She was dearly missed when she left Ontario to be in Winnipeg with her family. My condolences to her family as they mourn a truly wonderful person. - Posted by: René deHooge (Medical School Coordinator for the Volunteers) on: Sep 26, 2024