Obituary of BARBARA ANNE KROCHAK

BARBARA ANNE KROCHAK

March 26, 1946- June 18, 2018

            Barbara Krochak passed away peacefully on June 18, 2018 at Health Science Centre at the age of 72.

            She was predeceased by her parents, Anne and Brownie Krochak.   Her sister, Kardene, her brothers, Walter and Doug Krochak, her nieces Kerry Krochak, Janice Campbell, and Kahleigh Krochak, and nephews Michael Campbell, and Craig Krochak will fondly remember Barbara. She was actively involved in her nieces and nephews’ lives taking them cross-country skiing, skating, or to the Ice Capades. Barb attended every performance and recital. Barb would also spend hours putting together the Death Star or whatever gift the children received for Christmas.

            Barbara was born in the North End, attending Margaret Scott School, Isaac Newton Junior High School, and Sisler High School.  Barb left high school early to take a job at Winnipeg Casket. Barb’s restless and adventurous spirit took her to Los Angeles, California, Dallas, Texas, and Vancouver, where she worked in a number of administrative positions.

            After her mother’s stroke, Barb returned home to help the family. Upon returning to Winnipeg Barb was hired by the Provincial Government to work as the executive assistant for the Deputy Minister of Education. While working for the province Barb completed her BA at the University of Winnipeg. After a change in government Barb worked in a number of positions until she was hired by the Federal Government to work in Veterans Affairs.

            In 2004 Barb experienced her life-altering stroke. Paralyzed on one side and suffering from aphasia she lived a full life attending the Seven Oaks Wellness Centre, visiting friends, and attending a variety of SMD activities. In the winter, Barb looked forward to Christmas and all the corresponding “hub-bub”. In the summer Barb enjoyed the Sunday pool parties.

            Prior to her stroke, Barb was physically active playing tennis, golf, cross-country skiing, and running, completing the Manitoba Half marathon.  Barb enjoyed travelling to Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Mediterranean. Barb also was a volunteer “extraordinaire” working on a number of Briers, Grey Cups, Pan Am Games, Canada Games, and charity fundraisers.

            The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff at Fred Douglas Lodge and to the doctors and nurses of GH 7 at the Health Science Centre.

            A funeral will take place Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 10:00 AM at Cropo Funeral Chapel (1442 Main Street), with interment to follow in Holy Family Cemetery.

            In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation.