Obituary of Barbara McArthur
Barbara Ann McArthur was born in Hardisty on January 9, 1947 to Herb and Barb Gascoyne. She was the middle child in a family that included older brothers Barry and Stan and younger sisters Linda and Marlene. The family lived for a time in the Science Hill district before moving to Sedgewick and later to the farm north of town.
Barb was married in 1965 and had her first two children, Pat and Rick, while earning her Education Degree at the University of Alberta. She taught in Bruce, Holden and Inuvik, where Rob joined the family. They moved back to Sedgewick in 1977 and James was born a couple years later. Family was her first priority and she was kept busy with school, sports, cooking and entertaining.
Barb’s business career began with the establishment of Sedgewick Trophy and Gifts but her real passion bloomed with the addition of Two Crafty Ladies. Many fun times were had with her wonderful staff and she loved “playing” with flowers every day. Her next venture was Saskatoons and Sagebrush Berry Farm. Thousands of pies were baked, jams and jellies were made and Barb was kept busy running to Farmer’s Markets.
Barb was very active in her community serving with the Sedgewick United Church, Hardisty Lake United Church Camp, the Library, Town Council and the Recreation Centre. She helped cater many events and was always willing to lend a hand when she was called upon.
When grandchildren began to arrive, Barb chose to close the flower shop so that she could spend more time with them. They loved their sleepovers, pool parties and local sightseeing tours. This also freed up time to pursue another passion, travel. Over the years, along with family and friends, Barb visited numerous places including Hawaii, Indonesia, Germany, England, Scotland, Mexico, Fiji and Turkey.
Barb faced her final illness with courage and grace. She chose to move to Providence Place in Daysland and there she made a whole new group of friends among the residents and staff. She loved visits from friends and family and kept in touch with her many texts and emails.
Barb died peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital in Camrose on Wednesday, July 18, 2018. She is lovingly remembered by her children Pat (Greg) Hamm, Rick (Julie), Rob (Jen), James (Susan); grandchildren Dean, Ella, Emma, Craig, Scott, Hayley, Sarah, Keegan, Adam, Erika and Kiali; siblings Barry (Linda) Gascoyne, Linda (Ted) Holt and Marlene Denham and her sister-in-law Della Gascoyne. She was predeceased by parents Herb and Barb Gascoyne, brother Stan and brother-in-law Dennis Denham. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 2:00 at the Sedgewick Nazarene Church with a private inurnment at Battlebend Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a huge thank you to the many health care professionals who tried their best to help make Barb’s journey a little easier. Thank you also to her many faithful friends and family members for their ongoing support.
