Barbara (Smith) Friesen

Obituary of Barbara Lynne Friesen

Barbara was born to Edgar and Edna Smith on September 27, 1948 in Winnipeg, MB.  She passed away peacefully with family and friends by her side at St. Anthony’s Hospital in The Pas, MB on May 15, 2025, at the age of 76 years. 

Barbs early years were spent in Winnipeg with her younger brother, Donald and her Mom and Dad.  In 1958, the family moved up to The Pas for work and a short time later they brought Bobbi into the family.  They called 740 Taylor Avenue and The Pas home.  Barb’s teenage years were filled with family and friends.  In 1965, a young banker came to town that would steal her heart.  It wasn’t long after this young banker named Harold Friesen proposed to Barb at the Dutch Drive-In.  How romantic Harold was!  Barb and Harold were married on September 9, 1967.  Shortly after they got married, they were on the move (as that’s what happened when you were in a banking family).  On March 19, 1972, they welcomed their first child into the family, Kari Dawn.  For four years they were a family of three until June 17, 1976, when they welcomed their son, Brian Todd.  Their family was complete.  Over the next several years, they moved to many places and in 1987 they ended up back in The Pas.  Over that time they lived in Roblin, Miniota, Kenora, Shoal Lake and Dauphin.  Their family made many friends and cherished memories.  The most memorable time was spent living in Dauphin, MB.  Barb served as the Vice President of the Kinettes Club and became an avid bowler winning numerous trophies.  Many memories were made with family and friends during their time in Dauphin.  Then in 1987, they moved to The Pas.  The children were older when they moved to The Pas and Barb re-entered into the work force.  Over the next several years, she worked at Century 21, Knights Law Office, Service Canada and Arctic Beverages.  Barb then retired and made the decision to help look after their grandchild, Kamryn, for a few years.  After this time, she decided to continue working and took a part-time job at the United Church for a few years.  Not long after retiring from the church, Barb faced many challenges and was diagnosed with cancer in April 2024.  Her strength and positivity was admirable.  She fought a very courageous battle, with her family by her side. Despite the challenges and pain she was going through, she was always thinking of others and always had a smile on her face.

Barb was all about family.  She did anything and everything for her family.  The happiest days of her life were seeing both Kari and Brian find life partners and get married and bring grandchildren into the family.  Barb loved her grandchildren more than anything.  She also enjoyed cross stitching, painting ceramics, decorating her home during the holidays and enjoyed many treasures that she collected over the years.  She was the real “Martha Stewart”!  Barb treasured her longtime friend Sharon Donaldson.  Barb would have many stories to tell and very fond memories of their time together.  Barb also loved her cats and always felt that they were a “precious part of the family”.  Their beloved “Old Zeke” was a crazy cat and arrived unexpectedly at her door one day.  Niki was a “psycho cat” as Brian remembers and Tidbit was her pride and joy.  Brian remembers Barb loving her Tidbit more than him! 

Barb missed her calling as a journalist.  Anyone that knew Barb knew that she could spend hours talking to you or you could find her stories so well written on her Facebook page.  Barb truly enjoyed talking to anyone and could “talk your ear off” as people would say!  She was always so friendly and easy to talk to.  She always saw the good in everyone.  She was a truly kind, genuine and loving person and will missed by so many.

Along with Harold, Barbara is survived by her beloved son Brian, daughter-in-law Leah Friesen, and son-in-law Roger Prokopow (Andrea).  The true joys of her life were her five grandchildren, Mya and Kinley Friesen; Kamryn, Jackson and Max Prokopow.  To share our loss is Barb’s beloved brother, Donald Smith and his wife Shelley and their family; adopted sister Bobbi and family; brother-in-law Leonard Friesen and his wife Karen and their family; brother-in-law Raymond Friesen and his wife Debbie and their family.  Also to share our loss is her beloved lifelong friend Sharon Donaldson (Garry).  Numerous nieces, nephews, her friends and healthcare workers at the Northern View Lodge, and many friends also survived her.

She is predeceased by her mother Edna Smith, father Edgar Smith, mother-in-law Sarah Friesen, father-in-law John Friesen and her beloved daughter Kari Dawn Prokopow.

“When a little blue butterfly soars in the sky, it’s blue against blue that we see.  Although it may vanish, our hearts know it’s there…That little blue butterfly peaceful and free.”

Think of Barb when you see a beautiful blue butterfly!  Blue butterflies meant so much to her!  Now she can fly with all the other blue butterflies soaring in the sky.  Rest easy Barb, we love you and will miss you always and forever!

In keeping with family wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal funeral service will be held.