BARBARA DALE AGNEW (PATON)

In Loving Memory of Barb

Barb was kind-hearted, curious and warm, with a wonderful ability to connect with people wherever she went. She made friends easily, laughed often and shared her love generously with the people fortunate enough to know her. Wherever life took her, Barb left behind friendships, laughter and memories.

Barb faced cancer with remarkable courage. She died on Friday, August 21, 2026, surrounded by the love and support of her family and friends.

One of Barb’s favourite Beatles songs was “Let It Be.” Its message of finding peace through acceptance seemed especially meaningful during her final days. For those who loved her, those simple words now carry a little bit of Barb with them.

Barb was born in Winnipeg in 1953, the eldest daughter of Hazel and Harvey Paton. She was the beloved sister of Carla (Duaine), Jan and Joy (Neil). She was predeceased by her husband, David, and by her precious dog, Hunter. Over the years, Barb and Dave made their homes in Calgary, Oshawa and Prescott before eventually returning to Winnipeg to be closer to family.

Barb had a gift for communication and a natural business sense, talents that led her through a wonderfully varied career. Along the way, she worked with the Manitoba Hotel Association, in a florist shop, at a radio station and as an assistant to a Member of Parliament. She ultimately became Manager, Client Strategies, with IBM.

But work was only one part of Barb’s life. She loved to travel, and in recent years especially enjoyed travelling with her sisters. Together they made wonderful memories in Scotland, Austria, Portugal and Mexico. Barb embraced new experiences and, most of all, treasured the opportunity to share them with people she loved.

Barb loved having people in her home. Hosting energized her. She was a free-style cook who rarely felt constrained by a recipe. She experimented, adjusted and tasted until everything suited her palate. With a glass of red wine in hand and one of her music playlists playing in the background, Barb could stir a sauce, juggle several dishes and carry on a lively conversation with her guests—all seemingly without missing a beat. Family and friends particularly looked forward to her homemade buns and baking, which became a much-loved part of turkey dinners and festive holidays.

Barb’s interests were wide-ranging and reflected her lifelong curiosity. She loved to read. Curling up with a good book was one of her favourite ways to spend time. As Barb herself might have put it, she was an “indoor kitty.”

She loved her music playlists and liked to keep up with the news of the day. She enjoyed book club, theatre, ballet and concerts. And Barb appreciated a good night out—getting dressed up, going for dinner and enjoying an evening of entertainment.

Family was deeply important to her. Auntie Barb cherished her nieces and nephews: Rhea (Justin), Stefan (deceased), Allison (Drake), Christopher (Hayley) and Nicholas (Emily). She became “Bella” to David’s children, Jennifer (Johnson), Elizabeth (Colin) and Joseph (Bonnie), and to grandchildren Finnley, Ivan, Farley and Jovie. Barb loved each of them dearly. She made a point of staying connected, keeping up with their lives and finding thoughtful ways to let them know she was thinking about them. One of her special traditions was choosing a Christmas ornament for each of them every year. She also had plenty of affection to spare for the family fur babies: Olive, Bentley, Birdie and Ken.

Whenever someone she loved needed help, Barb was often the person who stepped forward. She gave generously of herself—in a thoughtful gift, a listening ear, a helping hand or simply by being there when someone needed her. She noticed people. She cared about what was happening in their lives. And she had a way of making people feel that they mattered.

We like to imagine Barb somewhere now, beautifully dressed, arranging flowers and organizing high tea for the ladies—serving delicious sandwiches and dainties, making new friends and, of course, making certain that everyone feels welcome.

Or perhaps she has already taken over the microphone and is hosting a talk show, sharing her knowledge, humour and intellect with an entirely new audience. That would be Barb.

She leaves behind a lifetime of love, friendship and memories. She will be deeply missed by her family, her friends and all those fortunate enough to have shared part of life’s journey with her.

May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love she gave so freely to others.

Let It Be

Celebration of Life, Tuesday, September 15, 2:00 p.m.,

603 Wellington Crescent, Wellington at Academy

A recording can be found on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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