Obituary of Barbara Gertrude AUSTIN (nee Carlson)

February 2, 1958 – Pincher Creek, Alberta

September 1, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

 

Barbara (Barb) Austin, beloved wife of Darrel Austin, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at the age of 62 years.

                                             

Barb (Mom) was born in Pincher Creek, AB, on February 2, 1958. She graduated from Bowness High School in 1975. She had many careers in retail sales, as a secretary, a babysitter, and a homemaker. Mom accomplished much through her life and was particularly proud of marrying Darrel. She was also proud to watch her girls grow up, get married and she cherished every moment of being an Oma.

 

Mom loved gardening, cross-stitch, needlework, scrapbooking, and colouring, and loved to learn any other craft along the way. She enjoyed nature walks, camping, bird watching, baking, and socializing with family. She especially enjoyed going to Stampede breakfasts and would get up early to ensure she was the first in line, rain, or shine. At the Stampede Parade, she would yell “Ya-Hoo!” as loud as she could to try to get everyone around her in the Stampede spirit, even if that created embarrassment with her kids or grandkids. Each year she was so excited about every holiday. For Christmas, she would buy her gifts up to six months or more ahead of time to ensure she had the perfect gift. She also did this with her annual cookie exchange that she did with her sisters, which she looked forward to each year.

 

Mom and Dad had many beautiful holidays throughout their lifetime together. When we were young, we travelled to Santa Barbara to see our aunt and go to Disneyland. Another memorable trip was when Mom and Dad visited Laughlin and Reno. Mom was so excited when she came home; all she could talk about was how beautiful the scenery and lights were of the cities. The most memorable holiday Mom had mentioned was the last road trip she and Dad had, which led them to the Redwood National Park Forest then up to Penticton and Sicamous. In addition to these holidays, many days were spent at Elbow Falls and Big Springs Park for a day trip or picnics.

 

 

 

Barb’s favourite poem was,

“Remember me when flowers bloom

Early in the spring.

Remember me on sunny days

In the fun that summer brings.

Remember me in the fall

As you walk through leaves of gold.

And in the wintertime - remember me

In the stories that are told.

But most of all remember

Each day - right from the start

I will be forever near,

For I live within your heart”

- Anonymous.

 

Barb will be most remembered for loving people with her whole heart. We will love and miss you always. Dad says, “He puts up with ya”, (a.k.a. I love you).

 

Besides her loving husband, Barb is survived by her three daughters and sons-in-law, Amanda (Tj) Daling of Airdrie, AB; Brandy (Jon) Austin, of Lloydminster, AB; Lisa (Steve) Lysak of Rocky View, AB; step-daughters, Kacy (Jeremy) Roberge and family of Calgary, AB,  and Kelly (Matt) Austin-Lang and family of High River, AB; and grandchildren, Lacy Austin, Faith Austin-Scott, Jacob Lysak, Kayla Daling, Samuel Lysak, Corwin Daling, and Hermionie Daling.

 

Barb is also survived by her sisters, Bernadien (Tom) Johnston of Calgary, AB, Beverly (Chuck) Henson of Redcliff, AB, Susan (Kirk) Chiswell of Calgary, AB, Zazae (Dan) Peterson of Airdrie, AB, and Doris Carlson of Calgary, AB;  her beloved cats and babies, Forest and Jenny; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Florence and Victor Carlson, sister Dolly Carlson, and many pets that touched her life including but not limited to Sophie, Joey, Willie, and Jackpot. 

 

The family would like to thank Kathy and Roland Smith; Darlene and Ed Jones; Janet Devine; Sherry and Jim Veinotte and their families for all the love and support throughout the years. In addition, thank you to Terrie Forrester, for being not only a great sister-in-law but a wonderful friend. Thank you to Dr. Ellis, Heather, and all the staff at Bowmont Medical Clinic for taking such great care of her and not only being her healthcare providers, but also her friends. To Dr. Fell, at South Health Campus for taking such great care of her compromised respiratory and immune system, and to Dr. Sharma and all the staff at Dulcina Hospice. You made each step of her journey a little bit easier with the kindness, love, and laughter you provided. She had so much love, trust, and friendship for the staff. Whether it be making morning coffee with her hazelnut cream, evening movie parties, or teasing the team (shake your booty), you gave her the love and trust she needed during her last months of life. Thank you so much for being so kind and caring and treating her as one of the family.

 

To honour her memory, a private Celebration of Life will occur at a later date. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed on Barbara’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

 

In lieu of flowers or donations, as per Barb’s request, please consider donating to the following organizations: Dulcina Hospice (110 Evanspark Manor, NW, Calgary, Alberta T3P 0N4,  Attention to Hospice Manager), The Meow Foundation (PO Box 65024, RPO North Hill, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4T6) https://www.meowfoundation.com/donate/, Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation https://cpff.ca/get-involved/donate/ or to the Lupus Canada (306-615 Davis Drive, Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 2R2

https://lupuscanada.org/get-involved/ways-to-donate/

 

In living memory of Barb Austin, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.