Noelle Caroline Marie Barnes

As the sun shone in, our dear Mom died peacefully on Sunday, August 16th, at her home after a weekend surrounded by her family with her favourite music playing in the background.

Mom was predeceased by her husband Vern, sisters Margaret and Jane, brother Bill and her parents Marguerite and William Whyte and Vern’s sister and brother-in-law Muriel and Ian Angus. She is survived by her daughter Diane and son-in-law David Johnston, son Derek and daughter-in-law Shirley, granddaughter Maggi and husband Stephen Brooker and great granddaughter Madelyn and grandsons Matt Johnston and wife Jane Johnston, Will Johnston and Steve Barnes as well as many dearly loved nieces and nephews and special friends.

Noelle Caroline was born on Christmas night in 1927 the youngest of four children by ten years. She attended Grosvenor School, Robert H Smith, Kelvin High School and graduated from United College in 1946. After graduation, she started working for the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce where she met her future husband Vern in 1950. They were married in 1953 and together raised their family.

Mom was known as Noe to all her family and friends. She created a wonderful home where she loved to cook and entertain. If you knew Noe and Vern, you were spoiled by their generosity and friendship and they were happiest pouring you a drink or two. Noe continued that trait even as her health and mind declined, always offering a drink or a snack to anyone who came through her door.

Nana, as she was known to her grandkids, had a very special relationship with all of them. She was their confidante, stocked their fridges, took them on lunch and dinner dates and was a great friend. A special memory for all of us was a cruise to celebrate Nana’s 80th birthday and Nana was definitely the life of the party!

The place that Mom and Dad had the most fun was their cottage in Gimli. Whether entertaining during Islendingadagurinn, having grandkids for overnight visits or spending time with family and friends, it brought them and latterly Mom much joy. Joanne and Peter O’Hara and their family became their Gimli family.

Mom was also very proud of her heritage as the granddaughter of Sir William Whyte, who was instrumental in bringing the railway to Western Canada. Besides finding and establishing Winnipeg Beach, there are many places named after him including Fort Whyte, Whytewold, William Whyte School and Mount Whyte in the Rockies near Lake Louise.

Noe had a wonderful home at the Shaftsbury Retirement Residence over the last five years where she received tremendous support, love and compassion from all. We are especially grateful to the Boulevard staff including Rhosel, Agnes, Kamaldeep and Allan, as well as Helma from Homecare. They all became Mom’s added family and she loved them dearly.

Mom was strong and feisty as she fought off illness and Dad’s untimely death. She endeared herself to so many and was always kind, caring and generous. She had a great smile, an infectious laugh and more than anything taught us all how to have fun! We know there is a great party going on as Mom reunites with her beloved Vern and so many family and friends!

At Mom’s request, there will be a private family service in September.

If you wish in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Wpg., Mb R3T 0R3, CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Wpg., Mb R3E 0V9 or a charity of your choice.

“We’ll meet again some sunny day”