Leila Mae (Bateman) Barker

Leila Barker

1936 - 2019

With great sadness the family of Leila Mae (Bateman) Barker announce her passing on May 20, 2019 at the age of 82 with her family by her side.

Leila was born on November 11, 1936 to Fred and Mae Bateman in the Swan River Valley.  Once Leila finished high school she graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Winnipeg General Hospital School of Nursing in 1959. On April 16, 1960, Leila married the love of her life John William (Bill) Barker and settled on the farm in Pretty Valley for fifty years.  Leila was a nurse at the Swan Valley Hospital until she retired in 2002.  She worked in Dr Marx’s office while she was at the hospital and into retirement.  Leila mentored and trained many young nurses and EMTs, her co-workers and patients meant the world to her.

While continuing her nursing career and raising her two daughters, she enjoyed the outdoors of the farm and spent hours upon hours in her gardens, they were always spectacular and weed free. Family and friends kept her busy as she always loved when someone would stop by or come from afar for a visit, and she was the hostess of many family gatherings.  Leila loved to go fishing and travel. She and Bill covered a lot of miles visiting family and enjoyed vacations with their friends.  She helped raise her grandchildren and was on the road constantly with their busy sports’ schedules.  Farm visits with Grandma usually extended way past their mother’s plans.  Leila always had a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear for anyone in her life. She loved people and had the ability to help them like no other.  In 2010, Bill and Leila moved to Swan River where they continued to be busy watching the Swan Valley Stampeders Junior A hockey team and spending as much time as possible with family and friends.

She will be sadly missed by her husband of fifty-nine years Bill, daughters Colleen (Dale) and Karen (Randy); grandchildren Ricki Lea (Wayne), Brett and Stephanie; great grandchildren Kaylee, Tucker, Clayton, Payton and Javan; sisters Winnie (Jack), Debbie and brother Don; step brother and sister Ron (Marilyn), Elaine (Rollie); sister and brother in laws Carole, Pat (Dennis), Hap (Donna), Stuart (Colleen), Diane (Jim); and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved and cherished dearly.

She was predeceased by her father Fred; mother Mae; stepfather Arnie; brother Duncan; father and mother in law Charlie and Gerry Barker; brother and sister in laws Mickey, Bob, Tom, and Rena (Lawrence).

A memorial service was held from St. James Anglican Church, Swan River, Manitoba on Friday, May 31, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Bob Lewis officiating.

If friends so desire, donations in Leila’s memory may be made to: Siloam Mission, 300 Princess Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 1M3.

Swan Valley Funeral Services

363 Kelsey Trail, Swan River, Manitoba

204-734-5775   www.swanvalleyfuneralservices.com

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