Sparrow funeral home1/8/2024 ![]() ![]() Barbara was a superlative hostess - frequently entertaining (and feeding) large groups of friends and relatives - and making it look easy! New friendships were forged as Barbara brought together people from different walks of life. ![]() In this regard she dedicated many hours to research, contributing to the publication of several books: 'The History of Minnesota School District' 'They Plowed the Way and We Followed', Vanscoy & District History 'Golden Years of Time', Vanscoy Seniors Citizens Club and 'Reverend Recollections', a History of the Vanscoy United Church and its Ministers. She valued personal family histories and the history of the Vanscoy area. Throughout her lifetime she was an executive member and/or active participant with many organizations, including: Minnesota Merry Makers, UCW, Vanscoy Community Recreation Board, Sunday School, Canadian Charolettes, Vanscoy Senior Citizens Club, Vanscoy United Church Board, and cemetery committees. Barbara was integrally involved in the community. It was not uncommon for her to deliver a freshly picked bowl of berries or a huge bouquet of flowers to a neighbour - just because. Barbara planted a huge garden to feed her growing family and share with friends. Showing cattle at the Royal Winter Fair, the Saskatoon Fall Fair and Agribition were interesting and rewarding experiences. Involvement in the cattle industry included active membership in the Saskatchewan and Canadian Charolais Associations. Barbara was a key partner in preparing for and hosting annual breeding stock sales over a period of more than 30 years. The farm grew and their Charolais herd became well known and respected. Together with Merle's brother Alan, they bought their first Charolais bull in 1963. Barbara and Merle's farm began with two quarter sections and some share and purchased cattle. After completing studies at Normal School in Saskatoon she began her teaching career at Minnesota School (Vanscoy District), in 1946. She travelled by horse and buggy or sleigh to Almonte School and later attended and graduated from Wiseton School. Barbara was born in Zealandia and grew up on a farm in Wiseton. She was also predeceased by many of Merle's siblings and their wives, all of whom played important parts in her life. Barbara was predeceased by her husband Merle (1999), son Blaine (1972), daughter-in-law Marilyn Wood-Sparrow (2017), parents Roy and Agnes Wilkie, stepfather Herb Lush, brothers Bill and George and their wives Jean and Joan. Barbara is survived by her daughter Connie Sparrow (Brian Brannagan), and grandchildren Cassandra Brannagan (Nathan Carswell) and Jacob Brannagan son Craig Sparrow (Yvonne Mitchell), and grandchildren Miranda Wood-Sparrow (Catlin Hogan), Chase Wood-Sparrow (Amera Carlson), Carlin Richards (Kevin Richards) and great-grandson Dax, and Jaden Wood-Sparrow (Chloe Hoiland) daughter Shelley Sowter (Ken Sowter) and grandson Remington Sowter sister-in-law Nancy Sparrow many dear cousins and numerous well-loved nieces and nephews. Lunch to follow at the Delisle Senior Centre. A Funeral Service will be held at 2pm on Saturday June 25th, at the Delisle-Vanscoy United Church, 316 1st Street W, Delisle, conducted by Reverend Lindsay Mohn. Barbara's family are saddened to announce her passing but are comforted to know that she lived a long happy life.
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