BARBARA IRENE WHITLA

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BARBARA IRENE WHITLA

Barbara Whitla, much loved wife, mother, grandmother, friend. Barbara passed away peacefully on December 19th, 2024 at Seven Oaks Hospital, just shy of 87 years.

Surviving her are her two sons, Todd (Laurel) and Robb (Jackie), her grandchildren, Madison and Brett (Luke) (Mom – Heather), Shane and Quinn. Barbara was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Doug, her parents, Mollie and Charlie Ives, and her parents-in-law, Fred and Eileen Whitla.

Barb had a wonderful life, full of blessings, whose greatest joy came from her close friends and family. She loved the cottage at Clearwater Bay, built by Doug and her boys, which she enjoyed for close to 40 years. Cottage time with her children and grandchildren was very special to “Nan/Nana” and she and Doug inspired a family who continues to love the lake today. She was so incredibly proud of her grandchildren for whom she had endless cuddles and silly songs. She was also their biggest and loudest cheerleader, rarely missing a recital, volleyball match or hockey game.

Barbara was truly an angel here on earth who saw only the best in each and every person she met. She dedicated her life to giving back, endlessly helping her parents, her children and the community. Barb graduated from the Children’s Hospital School of Nursing, first working at the Winnipeg General Hospital until she could transfer to a position at Children’s Hospital. Her related volunteerism spanned over 60 years with Annie A. Bond Guild, the Peter Pan Club, the CH Nurses Alumnae and the Children’s Hospital Guild of Manitoba. With the Annie A. Bond Guild she was active in the CH Book Market, meeting weekly to sort books and participating in the annual book market sales. Along with other Annie A. Bond members, Barb was instrumental in introducing knitted red Christmas toques for premature babies in Neonatal ICU and finger puppets that were used in the Children’s Clinic. Barb also volunteered time at the “Peter Pan Club” Bake Sales and her husband Doug crafted many wooden toys and other home décor items that were sold at these sales. Until her retirement, Barb worked as a nurse volunteer with Dr. Jack Bowman at the Red Cross, during the weekly Rh plasmapheresis clinic.

Special thanks go to staff at the Shaftsbury retirement community for the excellent care provided to Barb since Doug’s passing, and to the staff at Seven Oaks Hospital where she spent her final weeks.

A private family celebration of Barbara’s life will be held, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, 533A – 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 1M6.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 28, 2024