BARBARA LYNNE GIFFORD

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Barbara Gifford at the age of 82. She was predeceased by her loving husband Doug Gifford (2007), son Cameron Gifford (2023), and her parents Jeanne and Robert (Bob) Chamberlin.

She is lovingly remembered by her son Michael Gifford and his wife Genevieve, her daughter Marlene Gifford and her husband Andrew Riechel, and her three sisters Marilyn Boyd (Terry), Leeanne Sanchez (Louie) and Cathy Chamberlin.

Her memory will also be cherished by her grandchildren who she loved with all of her heart: Hayden, Delaney, Jennifer, Stephanie (Seth) and Aleshia. Her nieces and nephews are also left to mourn her passing and remember the family get-togethers that Barbara enjoyed so much.

Barbara was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and attended West Kildonan Collegiate where she met her future husband Doug, and enjoyed so many wonderful times with her high school gang who she kept in touch with over the years. In her teen years she was accomplished in hurdles on the track team and was also a member of the Blue Bomberettes who cheered on our Winnipeg Blue Bombers football team at many home games.

Some of Barbara’s memorable careers included working at the deli counter at Eaton’s downtown, at a printer/stationary business and eventually in admitting at the Health Sciences Centre (HSC) Hospital emergency department before transitioning within HSC to become part of the administration team in the Genetics and Metabolism Department.

Her beloved husband Doug’s main career was as an Information Technologist (IT) Specialist with Air Canada, which afforded Barbara’s family memorable trips to Europe, the Caribbean, cruises and the many trips to Los Angels, California to visit her mother and sisters during the later 1960’s to early 1980’s. After that, Palm Springs, California became a favourite winter getaway – following in the footsteps of her mother Jeanne who extolled the virtues of that sun destination. Trips to New Mexico to visit her sister Leeanne and family were also some of her cherished memories.

In her later years, although she was diagnosed with Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia (a type of lymphoma) that she was able to manage with medication for over 20 years and stay quite well in spite of, it was pneumonia that ultimately brought her well-lived and well-loved life to a close. We thank the caring staff at Grace Hospital and Riverview Health Centre for helping Barbara with the good fight and making her last hours peaceful.

A private family gathering will be held in August to celebrate her life. If friends so desire, a memorial donation can be made to CancerCare Manitoba, the Humane Society or Dying with Dignity.

The family encourages the sharing of stories, memories and condolences by using the comment section on this tribute 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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