Obituary of Barbara Ursula Lengauer (née Selbstaedt)

January 12, 1934 - Königsberg, East Prussia, Germany

June 12, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Lovingly Remembered

Barbara was ‘made in Canada’ and born in Germany. Her family called her Bärbel. She enjoyed a wholesome Tilsit childhood, but in WWII the family became refugees and fled to Uelzen. In 1952, they re-emigrated to Calgary. Barbara worked as an au pair and secretary, married and had two children, before earning her BEd with distinction at the University of Calgary.

‘Geh aus mein Herz, und suche Freud’ Barbara had an adventuresome spirit and an unquenchable thirst for life. She loved nature in all its glory, had a zest for travel, and enjoyed trying new things; she was blessed with a keen mind, a sense of curiosity, and was an engaging conversationalist and storyteller. She loved a good party! She had an ability to make anyone feel welcome and she turned her classmates and colleagues into life-long and treasured friends and was diligent in keeping in touch.

A teacher to the core, she raised her children and taught her students with enthusiasm and dedication. Barbara was steadfast in her Lutheran faith and upheld her European traditions. For nearly 40 years, she sang her heart out with the German Ladies Choir of Calgary. In her final two years, Barbara still made the most of life, despite the double-whammy of being in long term care during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and isolation.

Danke, daß es dich gab! Beloved mother of Patricia (John) and Julian (Carla), Barbara is fondly remembered by her sister Karin, sister-in-law Linda; relatives throughout the diaspora, and dear friends near and far. Make a toast to her journey home with a sip of Meschkinnes!

Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Werner and Helene (née Koschorreck) Selbstaedt, brother Norman, brother-in-law Howard, special cousin Harti, and former husband Karl.

A socially distanced Stampede breakfast and Life Celebration were held July 6, 2021, at McDougall United Church, ‘the most fun we’ve ever had at a funeral!’ Interment at Canmore Cemetery June 28, 2022. Memories and photos can be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Barbara Lengauer, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.