In Loving Memory of
Barbara Jean Wiwcharuck passed away peacefully Sept. 16, 2007, after a short battle with cancer.
Barbara was born Sept. 14, 1946, in Hillsborough, Illinois, to Harold and Sophie Russell. She grew up in Revelstoke, B.C., where she would later meet the love of her life, Larry Wiwcharuck. They married in 1966 and soon Larry’s job took them to Smithers, where they were later joined by their daughter Catharine. After a move to Mackenzie, B.C., son Greggory arrived.
Barb had a passion for learning and teacher others her whole life. After the family settled in the Smithers area and the children both graduated, Barb could finally pursue her dreams: she enrolled in the education program at UVic in 1989, joining her son for his first year of university. Barb finished her remaining four years in three, graduating with honours. Soon she was teaching the children of Smithers and Houston, fulfilling one of her lifelong dreams. She would happily spend hours working at home to ensure her students received the best education she could give them, and truly desired to see them all succeed.
It was impossible for her to go downtown without running into a former student or parent and stopping to talk with them; she made a difference in so many lives.
In 2002, Barb reached another milestone in her academic career, she received her masters of Education from UNBC, graduating alongside her son Gregg who was receiving his BA History the same day.
In 2004, the family was blessed with a new addition, one Barb had been patiently waiting for, her grandson Caden Cox, son of Cathy and her husband Carl. Barb loved spending time with Caden, and enjoyed all the benefits and joys of being a grandmother.
Barb had many hobbies. She loved books, gardening and spending time with her friends.
She is predeceased by her father Harold and sister Patricia. Barbara is survived by her husband Larry, daughter Catharine (Carl), son Gregg (Wanda), mother Sophie, sister Kelly (Nigel), sister-in-law Grace (Bill), brother-in-law Gordon, nieces, nephews, and grandson Caden.
She will be sorely missed by family and friends alike.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in Barbara’s memory.