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Barbara Hiebert

Image by Nick Andréka

BARBARA HELEN HIEBERT

June 16, 1953 – March 6, 2022

It is with great sadness that we share that Barbara died in Winnipeg on March 6, 2022, aged 68. She was surrounded by her husband and children.

 

She was, and is, dearly loved by her family, husband Jon Singleton, children Arwen (husband Taavo), and Bram, grandchildren Poe, Max, Evi and Teo, as well as numerous extended family members.

 

She was a person who lived to help others and to enjoy life with her loved ones.

 

Barbara had several passions. First and foremost was her family. She was always planning and thinking about what she could do to make their lives more exciting and fun. She and Jon enjoyed 48 years of making memories together with their family.

 

She was a passionate creative chef. She loved to prepare Mennonite heritage dishes and to discover new recipes.

 

She was a creative and skilled fibre artist. She inspired her children and grandchildren to pursue fine arts, and her home is filled with the art of three generations.

 

Another favourite activity was to travel with her family. This included travel across Canada, trips to Walt Disney World and, in 2019, taking the whole gang to Europe, visiting London, Paris, Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Memories from these trips will be one of the happiest ways we will remember her!

 

She passionately loved the Winnipeg Folk Festival. She and Jon attended the first Folk Fest in 1974. They have been at every Folk Fest as have their children and grandchildren since they were born!

 

After volunteering for the Festival for many years, she worked for the Festival for several years as its Volunteer Manager. In this role she made an enormous impact that benefits the Festival to this day. She was a passionate advocate for the volunteer program, highlighting the essential role volunteers play in the success of the Festival and the experience of audience members.

 

For those wanting to donate in her memory, consider supporting the Festival.

 

A celebration of her life was held at 2:00 p.m. on May 28, 2022 at 603 Wellington Crescent. You can view the recording of the service here on this page. Barbara's family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

Please share a story, photo, memory or condolence for the family by completing the form below and clicking "Post Comment"

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Roseann MacFadgen

May 29, 2022 at 9:06 PM

That was a beautiful tribute yesterday for Barbara’s life ❤ It brought lots of memories. I worked for many years with Barbara at the Folk Festival office. She was like a big sister to me, always kind, funny & caring. When I was pregnant with my son, I didn’t have a winter coat that would fit me (I was quite large) so Barbara leant me her special winter coat for the last few months of the pregnancy.  Another time, all the staff would draw names at Christmas and the rule was that the present couldn’t cost more than $10…Barbara drew my name :)  To my astonishment she made me the most beautiful flannel nightgown. She even embroidered the bodice & sleeves. She chuckled and said well she didn’t spend anything on it because she had all the materials already. Barbara always went out of her way to make other’s lives special. We will all miss our special friend. Deepest Sympathies to family & friends. Thank you for sharing her with us ❤

Marlene Carr

March 25, 2022 at 1:40 PM

I remember Barb in school...she was older than me ! But made an impression on me. What a beautiful tribute to her!!!!! Marlene Carr(nee Dyck)high school janitors!!!

Eilleen Veley (Wiebe)

March 24, 2022 at 2:02 PM

I also was a classmate and friend of Barbara's way back when.  She was a flower among many that stood out so cheerfully.  Although our lives went in different directions,  we were able to enjoy a quick catch up lunch every few years.  She will be missed.

Sally Doerksen

March 24, 2022 at 11:34 AM

So sorry for your loss. She has a beautiful smile. ❤

Luci Merritt

March 22, 2022 at 8:54 AM

Our condolences Jon and family. Sincerely, The Merritt Family.

Karen Rice

March 19, 2022 at 5:40 PM

So sorry for your loss. Barb worked with the Festival Board often and it was there that I met her.  She was a strong committed woman who helped make the Festival what it is today.  Karen Rice

Elaine Stott Krahn

March 19, 2022 at 3:15 PM

My sincerest sympathies to Jon and family.  Barb and I were classmates in high school and she inspired me with her free spirited approach to life...but she was way more confident...and therefore way ahead of most of us back in those days!  I admired her strength and her goodness a whole lot, and have very fond memories of this wonderful girl!   And she grew and got even better with time!                                                                    May the cherished memories she helped to create through her life bring peace and comfort to the family at this very sad time.  The world would be all the better with more 'Barb's' like her in the mix.  She was a kind, free thinker and a true gem!                                                                                                                   The memorial video was a perfect representation of her heart and soul, and brought tears to my eyes...  R.I.P. Barb❤

Deb

March 19, 2022 at 11:21 AM

Britta Tittlemier

March 19, 2022 at 9:19 AM

So sorry to hear of Barbara’s passing. We have many fond memories of Barbara and family during our friendship of 15 years. Our Deepest Sympathy James & Britta Tittlemier.

Melissa Kucheran-Wolke

March 19, 2022 at 8:53 AM

I am saddened to hear about your loss. She was an awesome woman. Much love. -Melissa Kucheran

Sera Weiss

March 19, 2022 at 8:00 AM

Barbara was ever present through my life, someone who was calm, kind, caring and who took time (even when she didn't have any) to make you feel heard.  Our love to the family. 

Corina (Cori) Mark

March 19, 2022 at 12:35 AM

Barbara was one of the first people I met when I started volunteering with the Folk Festival. She had a great knack for making people feel welcome and appreciated. I looked forward to running into her at the Festival after she no longer worked for them. Her smile and beautiful personality will be missed. My condolences, John, Arwen, Taavo, Bram and grandchildren.

Luci Merritt

March 18, 2022 at 10:22 PM

How I loved you Barbara, and John,  I am so sorry for your loss. The Merritt Family.

Liz Penny

March 18, 2022 at 9:46 PM

I enjoyed the times I was able to sit and chat with Barb at the Folk Festival. Her laughter and smiles are foremost in my memories of the times with her. My condolences to Jon and the family.
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Ethical Death Care (Death Care Services Inc.) is privately, independently, and locally owned. Shane Neufeld and the original team of Integrity Death Care own and manage this organisation.

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