Barbara (Barb) Magnusson

Barbara (Barb) Ann Magnusson (nee Sumka)

November 15, 1949 – October 29, 2018

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Barb’s passing from cancer.

She was predeceased by her father and mother Mike and Elsie Sumka, her sister Jean Johnson, and brother- in-law Walter Liebenau.

Barb is survived by her husband Chris of 46 years, daughter Jennifer (Cliff), son Kyle (Michelle), grandchildren Katherine, Johnathan, Matthew, and Zoe, sisters Marian (Jerry) and Carol (Daniel), brothers Ron (Helen) and Jim (Cora), brother-in-law Wayne Johnson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Barb was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba but grew up on a farm near Poplarfield, Manitoba.

After leaving the farm Barb lived in Winnipeg and worked at both Gambles and Macleods. Barb met the love of her life Chris on a blind date at a dance at the Poplarfield Hall. We married in 1972. A few years later we moved to a house near Riverton and then shortly after to Gimli. Besides looking after her 2 children Barb worked in housekeeping and laundry at the Betel Home in Gimli.

Barb enjoyed sports (5 pin bowling, lawn bowling, golf), vacations, cruises, travel, gardening, and volunteering for a number of groups and associations. She especially loved flowers with numerous flower gardens.

She was a member of the Catholic Women’s League for 35 years. She served numerous positions including President, Treasurer, and Membership. Her faith was strong and devoutly went to Mass.

Family was very important to Barb. She had a special connection and extreme love for all 4 of her grandchildren.

Barb was kind, compassionate, thoughtful, and generous to all. She always looked at the bright side of life. She is an example of how to live your life well and to the fullest.

The family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses who provided wonderful support, caring and kindness. A very special thanks to Dr. Sara Blelloch and Gimli head nurse Donna.

A prayer vigil will take place at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in Gimli at 7:00 P.M. on Monday November 5th. Funeral Mass is at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in Gimli at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday November 6th with Fr. Mike Nwosu and Fr. Art Seaman officiating.

 Flowers are welcome but donations are also welcome and can be made to St. Michael’s Church, Box 266, Gimli, Manitoba, R0C 1B0 or to Gimli Community Health Centre in care of Palliative Care, 120 6th Ave., Box 250, Gimli, Man. R0C 1B0.

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