ALDYNE MARIA BARRETT

On August 23rd, we said goodbye to our grand lady of the Barrett family when Aldyne Barrett, our mom, peacefully and surrounded by family, went to join husband Bob on one everlasting, epic long winter vacation.

She is survived by her three children. Nelson (Kim) Barrett, Nicolle (Steve) Bergeron, and Dean (Ron) Verrier, her eight adored grandchildren and their respective partners: Calvin (Sherry), Graeme (Kelly) and Liam (Olivia) Barrett, Scott (Laura) and Cory (Ana) Bergeron, and Daniel (Hanna), Megan (Andrei) and Emily (Tyler) Verrier, her sisters Pat Yuill and Dorothy Prior, and to her repeated and not so subtly stated regret: no great grandchildren. Mom was pre-deceased by her husband of 59 years Bob Barrett and sibling Tom Prior.

Mom's passing was the result of old systems getting tired, putting pressure on other equally tiring systems: arterial disease, a heart attack, some GI issues, and a sprinkle of COVID thrown in to reflect our modern times. This melange left Mom with little to no reserve to fight........ but fight she did. She is after all a Prior...... too stubborn to let death get a word in edgewise! The docs said " Hours.. " but mom said "Not on my watch!" and fought on for almost a week. We were pleased that she was able to receive last rites which was important to her faith. While we are stunned at the loss, we are happy she lived the way she wanted and died that way too: quietly, dignified, and comfortable with her family by her side.

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Our Mom’s life was a reflection of the times she lived in. Trained as a nurse, married young and started a family, stayed at home in our developing years but rejoined the workforce first in nursing and eventually with the TD Bank. Amongst that she spent many hours at hockey rinks, curling clubs, gymnastic meets, coaching baseball and music recitals as well as soccer & football games and cheerleading competitions.

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Our Mom’s passions were many. First and foremost were large family meals, hosted by her (refusing all help) and the ritual of Grandma’s over-cooked turkey (think as in the Movie “Christmas Vacation”).

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Though teased, her outstanding gravy always saved the meal. The bigger the crowd, the more hectic the kitchen, the larger the smile on her face. Food was her way of showing love. At 83, she was just starting to think about moving into a 55+ apartment but baulked because she wouldn’t be able to host everyone for dinner. We kids all pointed out that we ourselves could move into the same facility!

Mom loved the outdoors and particularly camping and fishing excursions with friends and family. Although her camping days were well behind her, she was still able to land the big fish well into her 80s thanks to her nephew Kevin Yuill as well as her niece Joanne Martin.

In the late 1970s, our Mom was infected by the travel bug. Alas there was no cure for this and she and our Dad took annual winter vacations: each year spending more and more time away be it cruises, visits to Florida with the Francens, or Texas and Arizona with sister Pat. For my mom, there were 5 seasons in the year. Her extra one was squeezed in from mid-December to January 1st and was called “packing”. This ritual involved meticulous laying out and planning for which outfits, accessories and other items needed to be packed. Mom was so focused on these trips that any event in their life was assessed as to the impact it might have on their ability to travel on their next one.

Finally, was Mom’s financial acumen (which is a polite way of saving “Being frugal”). For someone 83 years old she was surprisingly adept with the computer: tracking investments, making spreadsheets, paying bills and making sure no one was stealing her money (be it bank charges, fraudsters, the funeral industry or the dreaded Revenue Canada!). Although Mom’s background ancestry is of mixed Northern European lines, we are pretty sure some Scottish is in there as everything was “Too expensive” unless of course she was trying to sell it on Kijiji, it then was made of solid gold!

Mom was fortunate to have been surrounded and supported by a wonderful neighbourhood of friends who socialized together, travelled together, and supported one another through the good and the sometimes dark days of the last 40+ years in Woodhaven. Particular thanks to the Sorensens , the Downs, the Smiths, the Lippens and the Hoplock families.

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Mom’s wishes were immediate cremation to be followed by internment with our Dad. Our Mom asked for no celebration of life. However, this wish we will politely ignore and we know she’d forgive us as we hold a friends and family event centered around Thanksgiving to reflect one final big, hectic family meal she so loved.

In lieu of flowers or cards, we would respectfully ask you to donate to a charity that resonates with you. For those of faith, say a prayer for her. For everyone, recall a story about our mom that brings you a pleasant memory for it is through these that she remains with us.

Have a good trip mom. We love and miss you dearly,

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Nelson, Nicolle & Dean

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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