Mrs. Repay changed my life.

I am one of the one thousand very lucky kids to have been taught by Mrs. Repay.

I’ve thought of her over the years and of late felt something was pulling me towards her…

Back in 1982, Mrs. Repay asked my Dad if she could adopt me (after she asked Dad if she could advance me to the next grade, 4-5 months into Grade 1!).

She loved me so much, she had Penbrooke Meadows award me the Citizenship award for the school - in Grade 1! (typically awarded to the older kids).

Years later, she taught my late younger brother, Nav… and changed his life. A brown guy with a patka (mini-turban), played Santa for the school Christmas function - unheard of (circa 1988)!

She changed the trajectory of our family because she made us believe that anything is possible (she allowed me and Nav to dream)…

I dug up and found the trophy recently to share stories with my family - and only found out that she recently passed…

This news breaks my heart because I’ve been wanting to say thank you for so long…

God Bless Mrs. Repay - she was an angel and was truly sent from heaven.

Thank you Mrs. Repay – your impact was immeasurable.

Our sincerest and respectful condolences to the family.

Dr. Sunny Ghali, DBA and Family

Last Christmas, we celebrated the holiday together and Barb organized a game which involved revealing hidden gifts. She generously supplied all the gifts for everyone and led the game in a way that had everyone laughing and having tremendous fun together.

Barb’s generosity, her thoughtful handwritten cards and times we played “pass the pigs” game together will be memories I will always cherish.

Sincere condolences to all the family.

Love,

Sharla Friesen

I first met Barb in the Fall of 1971. She had just started university to become a teacher and what a teacher she was!

There was a solid group of us who were friends and we spent many hours together playing monopoly, camping, partying, having BBQs and lots and lots of visiting.

By the mid-1970s we lived a block away from Barb in Rundle - both proud of our first homes. When my oldest son was four, Barb took him to her house to make, bake and paint Christmas ornaments made from dough. She helped him make a beautiful teddy-bear Christmas ornament for me. I have always loved hanging it on my tree. This year it will hold even more special memories for me.

In 1988 Barb joined us as a chaperone as we toured Europe with a group of high school-aged students. The students loved her! The trip was a six-week 12,000 km adventure in a double-decker bus. It became known as the European Odyssey. Barb always said it was her trip of a lifetime. I know, when you're ready Cassidy, that your mum would love for you to have the same kind of adventure too.

When visiting Barb in the hospital last week, one of the things we talked about was Barb's love of teaching. She wondered how many kids she would have taught. A conservative estimation came up with 1000! One-thousand very lucky kids!

I will always remember Barb for her kindness and caring ways and I'll miss her.

Love Sheila