Barbara Ann (Andrews) Holms

Barb Holms

1942 – 2020

On March 3, 2020, Barbara Ann Holms of Minitonas, Manitoba passed away at the age of 77 years.

Barb was born on July 6, 1942 in Swan River, Manitoba to Wilmer and Annie Andrews. She received her elementary school education at Heyes and Duncan schools. She went on to the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School for the secretarial program.

After graduating from high school, Barb went to Winnipeg to take a secretary course. While there she lived with a good friend, Coralyn (Buchanan). While there she also met her future husband, Ray Holms.

They were married in 1961 and had two daughters, Marla and Cheryl. They were blessed with two grandchildren, Ryley and Shandee, and later great grandchild, Declan. Ray and Barb lived in many places and settled in Minitonas in 1973.

Barb worked for the Swan Valley School Division for twenty-five years, retiring in 1998. Too young to “retire” she focused her energy on opening the Holmstead Emporium, with Ray and friends, Connie and Barry Waito. This was to be her new career until her passing on March 3, 2020.

As well as working, she dedicated much of her time to church and community. At her passing, she was on the Knox United Church board, was a U.C.W. coordinator, and on the Age Friendly committee. Throughout the years she served on the Swan Valley Credit Union, the Swan Valley Foundation board, Minitonas town council, being very involved on the Valley in the Mountains committee, Minitonas Library committee. She also headed the Minitonas Home Coming committee.

Barb’s personality was such that you were proud to be her friend or part of her family. Her quick wit and gift of laughter endeared her to us all; and most of the world was her friend. She was for people and with people all her life.

Barb was predeceased by her parents, Wilmer and Annie Andrews; Shirley (Merv) Neely; Ardith (George) Carty; and her husband, Ray Holms.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at the Minitonas Community Hall with Rev. Kathy Highmoor officiating.

If friends so desire, donations in Barb’s memory may be made to the Community Foundation of Swan Valley.

Swan Valley Funeral Services

363 Kelsey Trail, Swan River, Manitoba

204-734-5775  www.swanvalleyfuneralservices.com

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