BARBARA MARIE BOWER passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge on October 11, 2010 at the age of 59. She was peaceful and surrounded by friends who loved her. Barb was predeceased by her mother and father, Elsie (nee Sorensen) and Raymond Bower and her brother, Michael Bower. She was also predeceased by Marjorie Malcolmson (Ray’s second wife). Left to cherish her memory are her son Bryan Cripps (Raechel and grandson Nathan), daughter Christina Grant (Andrew and grandson William), sister-in-law Wendy Bower (Gordon), niece Katrina Bower, the Malcolmson family, and her many friends. Barb was born on October 7, 1951 in Calgary. Her family moved to Lethbridge in 1957 where she spent her formative years. Though she lived in Ontario and the North for many years, she always considered Lethbridge her home. Barb had wonderful relationships with her parents and her older brother Mike growing up and through their entire lives. When Mike became sick with cancer, Barb helped out tremendously and was able to instil a calm over her brother. A helpful friend and faithful sister is the best way to describe Barb during her brother’s illness.
The Bower family had a love of humour, sarcasm and practical jokes which Barb passed on to her children. Barb lovingly raised her two children in Atikokan, Ontario with her husband Gerry. She had loving and close relationships with her son and daughter and loved her grandsons dearly. Barb enjoyed family vacations with her adult children, playing board games and sharing funny stories and memories. Christmas was a special time for Barb and she loved exchanging “prezzies” with her family.
After her divorce, Barb earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree while continuing to work full time and raise her teenage daughter. After graduation she moved back to Lethbridge where her professional life was devoted to being an advocate for children. Many people, including colleagues, benefited from her unconditional caring. She mentored many of her colleagues and made an impact on all those she worked with. Her sense of humour and witty sarcasm were well known around her office. Barb was a hard working and dedicated person who loved to get together with friends and family to celebrate life. She loved sports, especially golf and curling. She also loved reading, gardening, good food, and travel. Barb had many friends; some of her friendships began in grade school. Though she was a private person, her family and friends were fortunate to experience her kindness, trust and loyalty. A Memorial Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. The family is very grateful for the dedicated, caring staff at the Lethbridge Cancer Centre and the Chinook Regional Hospital, and for her many wonderful friends who tirelessly helped her during her illness. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Barb’s memory to Lethbridge Cancer Centre, c/o Chinook Regional Hospital, 960-19 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 1W5. Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca