Irene Barkman

Irene Penner Barkman was born to Ben & Anna Penner in Giroux, Manitoba, on December 9, 1926.  In the evening hours of January 26, 2021 our dear mother, surrounded by her daughters, peacefully took her last breath and the angels carried her Home. She reached the age of 94 years.

Mom enjoyed her growing up years in Steinbach. She had happy memories of spending time with her siblings and cousins.

She accepted Jesus as her personal Savior and was baptized in her youth, into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite, remaining faithful to the end. Her faith was precious to her and she loved to serve in various ways.

She spent a year teaching school in Pleasant Valley and then went on to pursue her dream of a nursing career.  During her R.N. training years, she met the love of her life, Frank Barkman and they were married on September 23, 1950.  Their home was blessed with four daughters.  She loved being a housewife and mother and she made our home a happy place.  Our mother was a beautiful, gracious lady and whatever she did was with perfection; be it cooking and baking, housecleaning, sewing, or being a hostess and friend.  The door was always open to guests – whether for a delicious meal, overnight, or if someone needed a home for a longer time. She enjoyed her role as a grandmother and our children have happy memories of times spent with her.

Their many trips and short terms of voluntary service enriched her life with numerous lasting friendships.

Dad’s passing, after 68 years of married life, left her lonely.  We, as a family, are grateful for the loving care she received at Maplewood Manor in her last years.

Those left with fond memories are her children; Laurie and Rob, Lucille and Wes, Cheryl and Galen, Elaine and Owen. Grandchildren, Tim, Heather (Jeff), Andrew (Jen), Kristel (Robb), Kaitlyn (Jonathan), Jeremy (Kendalyn), Brandon (Danielle), Lindsay, Chyanne.  Great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Aysia, Caleb, Emerson, Graeme, Norah, Leo, Jacob, William, angel Gracie. One sister Caroll (Erwin). One brother Eric (Bev). Sister-in-law Joyce.  Also, in-laws, Leonard (Nancy), Louis (Kitty), Peter (Ethel), Gladys (Roy), Eleanor, Joyce and Jean.

Gone before, her husband, parents, parents-in-law, two brothers, one sister, one sister-in-law, and one great-grand daughter.

The funeral service will be held at 2 PM, on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Crossings Funeral Care. The family invites those who would like to listen to the audio stream of the service, please log into https://listentochurch.com/listen/steinbach or phone 204-594-5903.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maplewood Manor, 284 Loewen Blvd, Steinbach, MB R5G 1K3