Obituary of Barbara Louise Groves

Barbara died suddenly after bravely battling a recent onset of kidney disease. She was the loving mother of Leslie Dickie (Trevor) and Stephen Groves (Amber) and grandmother to Ryan, Meagan, Cami, Nathan, and Morgan. She will be missed by her brother Jim Johnson (Patti) and sister Joan Stretch (Stan) and their families, as well as the Walton family and her former husband and friend Terry. Barb graduated from the Edmonton General Hospital as a nurse. Her career path eventually led her into social work where she found her passion in working with the aboriginal people in and around Calgary. She will be remembered by many colleagues, clients, and friends for her dedication and mentorship in working to establish many of the programs offered through the Aboriginal Mental Health Unit at the Elbow River Healing Lodge. She cherished her role as a member of the Aboriginal Community Health Council and associated groups. Reading and learning about history and other cultures were among her favourite pastimes. She had a special way of reading that was deep and intuitive and traveled the world through the books she read and courses she took. She fulfilled a dream by taking her recent trip to Syria and Jordan and had been planning to depart on an Egyptian adventure that unfortunately had to be cancelled due to the onset of her illness. Barb’s sense of humour was ever present and eclectic. She could laugh at anything, and usually did. She really enjoyed watching sports, and all activities that her grandchildren were participating in. Barbara always paid attention to life. Anyone who came into her world, however brief the encounter, was regarded as a friend due to her ability to see good things in everyone. Her caring thoughtful ways will be greatly missed by all and will always be in our hearts. A Celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Friday, November 21, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Thank you to the Rockyview General Hospital nursing staff, the Foothills Dialysis Unit, and Doctors. Stephan Mustata, and Eugene Adamiak for their care. In living memory of Barbara Groves, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.