Mary Barbara Kyle

Barbara leaves to mourn her passing, the love of her life, her husband of 70 years, W.A. (Bill) Kyle. Seven of her eight children remain to celebrate her life and cherish her memory: David, Connie (Robert Hill), Joan (David Sneddon), Kim (Howard Wood), Geoff (Monica), Colin (Yvonne) and Margaret (Bill Irwin). Barb also leaves thirteen grandchildren to hold her memory in their hearts, and eleven great grandchildren, who brought her joy in her old age.

Barb was predeceased by her daughter Catherine (Cate) in March 2015. Because of her dementia, Mom was spared the pain of knowing she had lost her youngest child.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Barb married Bill in April 1947. They lived in the West End, until they moved their growing family to Silver Heights in the late 50s. Later, they bought a cottage at Falcon Lake, where Mom and kids spent many idyllic summers and Dad spent his weekends building and fixing. They kept the cottage into their retirement years, and it became the place for siblings to reunite and grandchildren to play with their cousins.

Mom always loved music. She sang with a Sweet Adeline quartet as well as the Silver Heights United Church choir. When her memory started to fail her, she continued to hear music, whether or not it was actually playing. Music comforted her, while tunes and song lyrics remained in her memory while other things were lost.

Mom’s dementia contained sadness and loss, but also joy. Her essential good nature shone through the fog of her mind. She might not remember your name, but her face would light up when you approached her. She lived in the moment, and in this moment, she was entirely happy. Here was a loved one, her very best friend.

The family will hold a private gathering to honor Barb’s life and memory at a later date.

The family would like to thank Doreen for her visits and her kindness, the staff at West Park Manor who patiently work in difficult circumstances, and the musicians who brighten the lives of the elderly residents in West Park and in nursing homes across the country.