Barbara KROCHENSKI

KROCHENSKI, Barbara Mary
July 12, 1929 – October 2, 2017
We are saddened to announce the passing of Barbara Krochenski, the morning of Monday, October 2, 2017 in Calgary at the Bow View Manor at the age of 88 years. Barbara was born on July 12, 1929, the fifth in a family of nine, three boys and six girls, to Cloud and Gertrude Boyd at the family home with no running water, telephone, or electricity in Johnville, Carelton County, New Brunswick. Barbara attended one room school houses up until high school, which she did by correspondence, then boarding in Newcastle, NB, for grade 11. Next was teacher's college in Fredericton. This was only six months long due to a teacher shortage, so she was in a classroom at 18 years of age. Two summer sessions in St. John, NB completed her requirements for her teacher's license. Barbara taught in one room school houses close to home for four and a half years, then William's Lake, BC, for two years, and Manitoulin Island for one more year for the Department of Indian Affairs. Finally, she ended up in Calgary at the Separate School Board at Sacred Heart and Holy Name schools. Teaching is how she met Walter, who was an accountant with the school board, whom she married on August 19, 1961 in the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Johnville and settled in Calgary, raising five children. They were married over 50 years before his passing. Barbara was also predeceased by, her sisters Maddie Logue (Johnny) and Helen Barry (Ronnie); brothers Basil (Teresa), Sam (Betty), and Arnold (Cecelia); and granddaughter Emily Guest. She is survived by, sisters: Wilhemina (Billie, Joe Benson), Denise (Karel Vanderkley), and Pauline (Alex Lavery); children: Stephen, Peter (Susan), Mary Jane (Gordon Matlock), Ellen Guest, and Suzanne; and grandchildren: Emma, Zoe, Laura, Shannon, Matthew, and Rachelle, Hannah, Conor, and Cassie. Barbara was known for her love of reading and a deep interest in any news of her children's school achievements. She had a seemingly infinite supply of wise Irish folk sayings – one of which she had ready for almost any situation. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke's Catholic Church (corner of Northmount Drive and Northland Drive NW) on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen's Park Cemetery. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with Barbara's family through www.evanjstrong.com. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association (Suite 400, 105 – 12 Avenue SE (Kahanoff Centre), Calgary, AB T2G 1A1; 403-297-1700; website: www.cmha.calgary.ab.ca). Arrangements in care of EVAN J. STRONG FUNERAL SERVICES. (403) 265-1199.