Barbara Jean Bilodeau

Barbara is lovingly remembered by her husband Gary Loeb; her son James (Michelle); her brother Robert Bilodeau (Barbara Ann); nephew Lee Bilodeau (Kayla); her cousins Raymond Blais (Sandra), Richard Blais (Marilyn), James Keay (Irene); second cousins Derek Blais, Kathryn Blais, Michael Keay, Lyndsey Keay. She is also remembered by her son-in-law Tim Loeb (Lyada Thalman); daughter-in-law Marna Loeb (Eric Gee), as well as step-grandkids Alyx, Luke, Kennedy and Gordon.

She was predeceased by Bill Loewen; her parents Gus and Mary Bilodeau; her aunts and uncles Jean and Hugh Keay, Babe and Betty Bilodeau, Edna and Tony Myska, Dave and Mary Paterson, as well as her grandparents.

Barbara was born in Winnipeg and grew up in Transcona. She began her elementary schooling at Central School, then moved on to Arthur Day Junior High and attended Transcona Collegiate for high school.

She began her work/life experience while in high school. Her first job was working for Shop Easy grocery store in Transcona, then she became a carhop at the A&W restaurant on Regent Avenue. Upon finishing her education she went to work for Manitoba Telephone, followed by Great West Life and the Royal Canadian Mint. Later, due in part to her strong work ethic, she became the owner/operator of a Molly Maid cleaning franchise for many years.

Barbara had a variety of interests in her life. Near to top of the list was her love of animals, especially her Yellow Labrador Retrievers, "Buster" and "Trouser". Later on in her life, little "Odie" came on the scene. Barbara's mission on a daily basis was to spoil them rotten. She loved them to the moon and back!

She also had a keen interest in travelling either with Bary o with friends. Destinations such as Bali, Australia, Mexico, Barbados, London (England), the Panama Canal, and Brazil to name a few. Upon returning home she would love to share the details of her trip with family and friends. Something we looked forward to.

Barbara had a keen sense of style, whether it be fashion or home decor. She was always impeccably dressed and took great love and care in transforming her house into a home. A home that was always open to family, friends and of course dogs. Her guests were treated like royalty, whether it be a BBQ in her spacious back yard or celebratory dinner at a beautifully set table in her dining room. Barbara's home was a home where love and welcoming resided.

Anyone who was fortunate enough to have encountered Barbara along her life's journey were treated with love and compassion. Her open heart was her signature! Throughout her life, many obstacles crossed her path. She met them all with determination and grit. As she was experiencing health issues in mid to later life, Gary was constantly by her side, as were her devoted friends.

In closing, we are certain that Barbara, being the person who brought so much to this world, would want to say thank you to all her 'special' friends, family and the people she met on her life's journey. Perhaps those who wish to do so, may choose to light a 'candle of remembrance' in honour of Barbara and the gifts of grace, love and compassion she bestowed on all of us.

A private Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish to do so, a donation may be made in Barbara's name to the Winnipeg Humane Society or a charity of your choice.

"It's the special people we meet

along life's road who help

us appreciate the

journey."

Rest in Peace Barbara