Barbara "Eunice" Dargatz

On February 17th, 2024 our dear mother, Barbara “Eunice” Dargatz, departed our presence to be with her Lord. Heaven received a shining star who will no doubt love helping tend God’s divine gardens. We imagine Eunice happily strolling amongst Heaven’s Dalias and the many other flowers that played such a big part of her life.

Eunice was predeceased by her loving husband, Albert Ruben Dargatz, son, Jeffrey Dean Dargatz & grandson Rupert Croft. She also lost all of her siblings: Jack Thompson, (World War 2 pilot), Duane Thompson, Harry Thompson & Bill Thompson. She has weathered many family losses with great strength and dignity.

Eunice is survived by her daughter, Julie Dargatz, (husband Daryl Croft). Along with step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

Victoria BC born, Eunice moved with her family to Manitoba where the family lived until Eunice was 6 years old. The family then returned to Rosedale, BC in 1936. Shortly after returning to the Fraser Valley, the Thompson family took over the operations of a dairy farm on Promontory in Sardis, BC and later, a dairy farm in East Chilliwack.

Eunice was a student at a time when one room school houses were common. She attended Promontory School until Grade 5, when the family relocated to East Chilliwack and Eunice attended grade 6 at East Chilliwack Elementary. Shortly thereafter, she attended grade 7 at Central Elementary School. Eunice completed her High School years at Chilliwack Middle School, which at the time offered secondary level studies, including a grade 13 level for senior matriculation.

Following senior matriculation, Eunice decided in a career as an Elementary School Teacher and attended Normal School in Vancouver. After Normal School, Eunice attended a summer session at the University of Victoria, which in turn, helped her attain her first teaching position in Princeton, BC. With a $150 per month salary, Eunice was riding high in life as a new teacher. Later, other teaching positions took Eunice to Campbell River, BC and then Eastward to Calgary, Alberta. Lastly, Eunice returned to Chilliwack and taught grade 1 at East Chilliwack Elementary and Watson Elementary in Sardis, BC. Eunice showed a passion for teaching, however, after 10 years of teaching, she traded in her career to be a wife and mother.

August 9th, 1957 stood out as a life changing day when Eunice married a handsome young man, named Albert Dargatz. (The Dargatz brothers created a successful glass and door business in which Albert managed). The couple introduced two wonderful children to the world, Jeffrey Dean, and two years later, Julie Anne. Sadly, Jeffrey suffered from Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy and passed away a few days before Christmas in 1979. He was only 19 years of age.

Following Jeffrey’s tragic passing, Eunice turned to dedicating herself to volunteer work. Firstly, with Community Contacts for the Bereaved from 1981-2006. As part of her quest, Eunice attended training in bereavement counselling and dedicated the next 25 years towards providing comfort to families who like herself, had lost a child.

Later, Eunice’s friendly face could be found at Valley Haven, a retirement care home. She found great pleasure supporting seniors. As part of her volunteer service, Eunice regularly prepared floral Birthday Bouquets for the seniors from flowers she’d grown in her garden.

In 1991, Eunice became the recipient of The Chilliwack Community Services Dove Award for her work with Community Services and Contacts for the Bereaved. In 2006, Eunice was honoured by the Ann Davis Transition House at The Bread and Roses luncheon.

Eunice was an active UCW member of the Chilliwack United Church. She once mentioned that her first priority when moving to a new town was to find the local United Church. Volunteering became a mainstay at many church functions: (eg. decorating the church for all of the holidays, creating floral bouquets on a weekly basis for church services and baking for the annual bake sale). Commencing in 2003 and until 2015, Eunice was a regular volunteer at the Chilliwack United Church Thrift Store well into her mid 80’s.

If you knew Eunice, you knew she had a passion and a love for gardening. A particular joy she held was the creation of magnificent hanging baskets, potted geraniums and dahlias. Eunice wielded a masterful ability in growing the most exquisite and breathtaking dahlias. In 1988, Eunice won The Green Thumb Award from the Chilliwack Garden Club. With her success, Eunice entered her flowers faithfully for many years into the Chilliwack Fair, winning award after award of prize ribbons.

Eunice fought a difficult, yet courageous battle with cancer. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Canadian Cancer society would be greatly appreciated.

We’d like to thank the wonderful, dedicated staff at the Waverly for their support in caring for Eunice. In particular, the nurses: Vicki, Lilly Beth, Theresa and Mani. Also, the compassionate Care Aides: Ken, Nancy, Diane, Candace and Nicky.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Eunice on March 10th, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Chilliwack Curling Club. In honour of Eunice, please wear something pink while attending this event, as that was her favourite colour. Although she also loved wearing her Canucks Jersey as she was a true hockey fan.