Obituary of Barbara Jean Young
Barbara Jean Young of Red Deer passed away very suddenly but peacefully on December 13, 2020 at the age of 79 years.
Barb was born in Lacombe, Alberta, in 1941 to Basil and Betty Weatherill. She was raised on a farm at Gadsby Lake.
Barb embodied the true farm wife. She could throw bales, milk cows, grow a garden and feed a threshing crew. No job was ever too big or too small to receive 100 per cent of her attention and energy.
Barb attended the University of Alberta, where she obtained a teaching certificate. She married Jim on December 16, 1961. While teaching in those early years, she met lifelong friends in the Tinks and the Dudgeons. Barb became a stay-at-home Mom to her children; Laurie, Maureen and Jamie.
Her family was extremely important to her and she was a very special daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. She showed her love for everyone by making sure to prepare everyone’s special treats no matter how extensive the menu. Large family gatherings were more the norm than the exception for Barb – the more, the merrier.
As if she wasn’t busy enough already, it was very important to her to volunteer for many clubs, organizations, and especially her church. Her devotion to St. Leonard’s Chuch and all that was required for it to operate smoothly, was always a top priority for Barb. She was an exemplary server who modelled Jesus’ heart well.
Barb always had time to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed. She could be found working quietly in the background, making sure everyone was fed or she was up to her elbows in dishwater.
Barb maintained these qualities right up until the day she became another angel in the Christmas choir. Christmas was her favourite time of the year, which usually meant that the Christmas tree did not come down much before Valentine’s Day. So as the snow falls, the carols are sung, and the lights twinkle, know that Barb is one of those beautiful lights that brightens our world.
Barb is lovingly remembered by her husband Jim, daughter Laurie and her children Keegan, Dacey, Quinn and Darby, and great-grandson Finnigan, daughter Maureen and Louie; Landan, Noah, son Jamie and Gayle; Jaxon, and sister Pat and George. Biology did not matter to Barb; she treated everyone as family, so there are many immediate, extended and adopted family members that are already missing her dearly. Barb is predeceased by her parents, Basil and Betty Weatherill, and a sister Catherine Rose.
Due to the current restrictions, we will have a celebration of life in the future where we will gather, honour and remember Barb. It will be in the Young family tradition; big hugs, lots of laughs, love and no one will leave hungry.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the STARS air ambulance program at STARS Donations, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary AB, T2E 8M7, or online here; Ronald McDonald House at Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta, 5002 - 39 Street Red Deer AB, T4N 2P2 or online here, or St. Leonard’s Memorial Garden, which includes the opportunity for anyone to pull a weed or two or three, at St. Leonard’s on The Hill Anglican Church, 4241 - 44 Street, Red Deer AB, T4N 1H3.
Condolences to Barb’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net.
Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials Funeral and Cremation Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944