Thelma Kathryn Barkman

September 8, 1934 – January 4, 2018

It is with heavy hearts we announce that Thelma Kathryn passed away on January 4, 2018 in North Vancouver. Predeceased by her parents, Anton and Bona Serka, she is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Kelly Maree Millin, brother Tony Serka and sister-in-law Norma, nephew John (Carolyn), niece Ange (Kevin), grand-niece and nephews, and family and friends including in Croatia.

Thelma Kathryn was born in Vancouver and grew up in the tightly knit and energetically social Croatian community of the 40’s and 50’s. She spoke only Croatian until she entered school and she graduated from Seton Academy as Valedictorian of her class.

Thelma Kathryn was completely memorable. She elevated every event and gathering with her beauty and grace. She greeted with a compliment, listened with interest and endowed a sense of specialness to each and every person. She was an admired hostess in her career as an executive assistant and also as the wife of the BCAA president in the 1980’s and early 90’s. She enjoyed all music, from the opera to the rock concert and loved to take to the dance floor either with a partner or on her own. She travelled the world and had stories of adventure from Singapore to the pyramids of Egypt. Her life was filled with the importance of family and the beauty of small things. She will be greatly missed by all and especially by her daughter who danced through life with her Mom, each truly devoted to the other.

A very special thanks extends to her long time care-aide, Arlene, for unwavering support of ‘Mama’ and her home. Appreciation is also given to caring additional support staff, also Liliana and medical practitioners these past years.

The family wishes to thank the compassionate and caring nurses and doctors at Lion’s Gate Hospital. Their commitment and support will always be remembered.

A memorial service and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 10 at 1:30pm at West Vancouver United Church, 2062 Esquimalt Avenue near 21st Street and Marine Drive in West Van.

In memory of Thelma Kathryn, please consider a donation to the Lion’s Gate Hospital Foundation.