Obituary
May 6, 1924 – January 29, 2021
BARR, Jeanne
December 18, 1924 – March 22, 2021
Our dear mother passed away peacefully on Monday. She grew up on a small farm near Drumheller, the third of seven children of Peter and Florence Bergos . Her father passed away unexpectedly in the early 1930′s leaving the children (Peter, Marie, Jeanne, Alex, Donald, Margaret, and Barbara) and their mother to make their way in a farmhouse with no electricity, running water or inside toilet. Living off the land along with a meager income from the debt-ridden farm as well as being raised by a hardworking selfless mother in large part, shaped the personalities and attitudes of the family. All were responsible for their daily chores and maintaining their studies but also knew how to play ball, swim in the river, play hide and seek or make snow forts in the winter – simple activities that provided endless hours of enjoyment.
Mom left the farm in 1943 and took the train to Edmonton to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. Three years later after graduating with honors, she started her nursing career at the Charles Camseil hospital. Soon thereafter, she met Bill and in 1947 was married in Drumheller. Then the fun began with George, Brian and Rick raised in the house we all affectionately refer to as “10898″.
Bill and Jeanne loved the area of Bellevue and Highlands making it the focus of the family. Mom took tremendous pride in whatever activities the boys were involved in. To us, she was our #1 cheerleader always sharing in our joy and success as well as giving us unconditional support when we fell short.
When Rick was of school age, mom decided to return to her first love – nursing. She worked a permanent night shift allowing her to be home for breakfast with the family, having a brief nap before completing her family duties, sharing a supper meal with the kids and then grabbing a couple of hours of sleep before her duties commenced at the General Hospital. Her energy was boundless and her capacity for empathy, kindness and thoughtfulness showed no limit.
Once the kids were grown and on their own, she looked for opportunities to share her unlimited energy and compassion. She became very involved with Highland United Church, singing in the choir, attending regularly and supporting the efforts of the UCW. No one was better than Jeanne at attending to the needs of the sick, lonely or bereaved. She loved writing letters and cheery notes – surprising people with small gifts and baking. She also devoted much of her time volunteering at Virginia Park School. She worked with both small groups and individuals working to improve their reading skills. She and others spent hours assisting the kids baking in order to fundraise for worthwhile causes. She was so well known and loved at the school that everyone referred to her as “GG”.
Mother is survived by her two sons Brian (Nancy), Rick (Marg); daughter-in-law Elsie; her brother Alex; seven grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Bill and her son George. Happiness came to her knowing that she raised a beautiful family who brought her great joy. She believed strongly that a good life is one filled with integrity, kindness, hard work and community.
The family wishes to extend their appreciation to the staff of Virginia Park Lodge and Northcott Care Centre for their tender care. As well, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Maureen Letchford who assumed the role of adopted daughter not only during her declining years but for the many years previous mom was included as part of the Letchford family.
Donations in Jeanne’s name are gratefully accepted to Highlands United Church, 11305 64 St NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5W 4H6. Due to the current restrictions surrounding Covid, no formal services are planned.Arrangements Entrusted To Ponoka Funeral Home
~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~
https://edmontonjournal.remembering.ca/obituary/jeanne-barr-1081867118
REGIONAL COUNCIL PRAYER CYCLE FOR THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA:
As a church, we are called to pray for each other, and for our mission in the world.
This week, April 11th, we join Northern Spirit Region in prayer, asking that the persons of faith focused upon
BEAVER PASTORAL CHARGE
may sense God’s loving blessing, and respond in their ongoing ministry.
https://www.prayercycles.ca/northernspirit
Welcome
Highlands Church Memorial Window was featured on CBC’s Edmonton News
Come Join Us for Sunday Service. Join God’s Family in the worship in the warmth of our sanctuary.
Highlands United Church
11305 64 St NW, Edmonton, AB, Canada
email: highlandsunited@shaw.ca
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we have made the difficult decision to suspend our church services as of March 15, 2020.
Please check back in regularly, as we will post updates. Thank you.
We are pleased that you have given us this opportunity to share with you a glimpse of our Church Family. We are situated in the historical and charming community of “The Highlands” and we have been blessed with a Sanctuary and facility that is in keeping with the neighbourhood and just lends itself to worship. Thus we have the good fortune of having many inquiries about our services.
Our worship services are spiritual and Christ centered with a good mixture of the traditional and the contemporary. Our ministry of music soothes the soul, with a full complement of exceptional instrumentation from the pipe organ and grand piano to a full range of choirs including the handbells and hand chimes. There is a full Sunday School program and a supervised nursery.
Personally I have had the good fortune of ministering to this congregation now for a number of years. I have found them to be a most accepting and welcoming congregation that has always been on the leading edge of new interesting programs. I pray that you might experience the same.
Come and join us as we worship the Risen Christ!
In His Service
By God’s Grace
Reverend John Burrill
CONTACT INFO:
Phone: (780) 479-1565
Current Office Hours: M-F 10am – 12pm
Office will be closed for the Christmas holidays from December 25 – January 6.
For questions about this website or corrections, please contact highlandsunited@shaw.ca