Obituaries

JOYCE (WINNIFRED) BARKER

Joyce Barker passed away at Seven Oaks Hospital on January 6, 2023 at the age of 97. Joyce is predeceased by her parents Albert Edward Rhodes and Lydia Lillian Rhodes and her husband Robert Barker. She is survived by her sister Maureen Hilditch, sons Paul (Ana Marie) and Blake, grandchildren Jordan (Christine) and Nicholas (Karlo), and great-grandchildren Chloe, Florence and Jonah.

Joyce was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on November 13, 1925, and graduated from Daniel McIntyre High School.

After High School Joyce worked at Blue Cross/Manitoba Health until meeting Robert and they were married on June 9, 1954. She moved to the Barker family farm in Lilyfield with Robert where she learned how to tend to a farm, operating the large machinery such as the combines and grain trucks. 

Ever the socialite, she made many friends with the other families of Lilyfield through the Lilyfield United Church, and curling at Grosse Isle, Stonewall and Deer Lodge curling clubs. 

She raised her two boys Paul and Blake, making sure to instill a strong work ethic in both of them. She would constantly make sure that they were always busy and never idle. 

An avid baker, she always had a container of freshly baked cookies and dainties for her visitors and grandchildren. Joyce also enjoyed knitting and would knit scarves, sweaters, touques, gloves and blankets. 

Her memory was sharp, and would entertain family and friends with her stories of the past.

After moving to the Kiwanis Villa and later the Terrace, Joyce found a community of friends to socialize and play cards with. The family will always be grateful for the companionship that they provided. 

Service will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2400 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 10:00 AM. 

The family wishes to thank all the staff and homecare providers of the Kiwanis Villa/Terrace for their care of Joyce and the respect shown to her family.