Barbara (Barb) Kay Klein was born March 27, 1930 to Elizabeth and Phillip Dick in Carseland, Alberta. She was the middle one in a family of 12 children. With the exception of the first child, they were all born at home including Barb.
She grew up in the ‘dirty thirties’. Her fondest memories of her childhood were playing with her sister Phyllis outside and in the trees with apple crates for their doll beds. The two of them were close in age and shared a special bond throughout their lives, including marrying brothers. Barb met Tony through her older sister, Lois, when she went to stay with her. Barb and Tony loved dancing and they spent many nights at the local dance hall with their families and friends, dancing the night away.
On June 24 ,1949 they were married and they spent their first years of marriage in Winfield, Alberta where they had no power or running water.
Over the years, they moved several times and welcomed 4 children. In 1962 they settled on a farm in the Chip Lake area, where they lived for 43 years. That farm was home to Barb. She took pride in her home and her gardens. Her Hansa roses were so special to her that they were later moved to their new home in Onoway. It was on the farm that many great memories were made with her five granddaughters.
In 2005, Barb and Tony sold their farm and had a new house built in Onoway. They chose this location as it was close to all their family. Many happy hours were spent visiting with them. Mom especially loved the visits with her great-grandchildren. She always had special treats for them and was interested to hear their latest stories. They all called her Grandma Barb.
An exciting time for Mom was March of 2022, when she travelled to Arizona with her granddaughter Ashley and her family to visit her daughters Sherry and Jill. After talking to us on the phone for all the winters we have spent in Arizona she finally got to see things we had always talked about. It was truly a great adventure for her and she was proud of herself for making the trip.
She always said her greatest accomplishment in life was raising four hardworking children. She was very proud of what they have all achieved.
In July of 2021 she sold her home, and moved to the Chateau Lac Ste Anne in Onoway, where she remained until her passing. She was happy living there; she enjoyed all the wonderful staff and took part in the activities the Chateau had to offer. She made many friends in the two and a half years she lived there.
Barb was predeceased by her husband Tony of 71 years. Left to mourn are her children: Sherry Evans (Douglas), Randy Klein (Lorraine), Jill Klein (Randy), Leann Sagert (Byron). Her five granddaughters Melanie, Stacey, Jennifer, Ashley and Britney, and 11 great-grandchildren all who will miss her dearly.
As sad as our entire family is we take comfort in knowing at the age of 93 years and 10 months she was still alert and happy until the end. She left us very unexpectedly but we are grateful for all the wonderful memories.
We will love her forever- the best Mom, Grandma, and Grandma Barb a family could have.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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