Norma Gladys Barkman (nee Borkowsky)

Obituary

It is with great sadness the family announces the peaceful passing of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, Norma Gladys Barkman (nee Borkowsky), at the age of 94 on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024, at Brightwater Senior Living of Tuxedo, Winnipeg, MB.

Born on June 23rd, 1930, to the late Henry T. and Martha (Mantie) Borkowsky. She began her life in Bristol, MB., before eventually moving to Steinbach for most of her life.

In her early years, Norma would visit with children from neighbouring farms beginning life-long friendships which she valued dearly until the end. She would also walk the few miles to town to see the current movie at the local theater. This was the start of a deep and abiding love for the arts.

In the late 1940’s Norma moved to Ontario to work in a lighting factory. It was at this time that Gordon mailed a letter asking her if he could come for a visit. Gordon was able to convince Norma to move back to Steinbach, and after that the real love of Norma’s life began. On September 26th, 1953, Norma and Gordon were married and they spent the next 65 years together until Gordon’s passing in 2018.

Gordon always encouraged Norma to pursue her passions and all the things she missed in her youth. Accordingly, she completed her high school diploma and studied university psychology and nursing. She became very curious about health, subsequently studying and qualifying as a reflexologist and cranial sacral therapist. Norma was also a student of Tai Chi for many years, which she still practiced until her passing.

Norma’s love of the arts led her to study piano, music theory, handbells, and organ, acting as the church organist at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for over 20 years.

To share her love of the arts, Norma was a founding member of the Steinbach Arts Council (now celebrating 45 years), often hosting after-performance parties inviting musicians and music supporters into her home. She proctored music theory exams in the basement of her home until the interest grew so large that she could no longer seat everyone. She encouraged all her children to pursue the arts in all its forms: dance, numerous instruments, voice and drama.

Norma and Gordon were dedicated supporters of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Manitoba Theatre Center.

Norma and Gordon also loved to travel, and they saw the world (including a world trip in 1971 while she was eight months pregnant). They had many wonderful trips over the years; visiting family and friends, and always meeting new people that became cherished friends.

If you knew Norma, you were undoubtedly invited into her home for a fantastic visit with too much wonderful food. She was a perfect host who cared about providing everything her guests might need or want. She was an encouraging mother who wanted her children to get everything possible out of life and a devoted wife to her husband.

Her life will forever be cherished by her sons, Kurt (Eva) of Denver, CO, Andrew (Monique) of Montreal, QC, daughter Anne (David) of Steinbach, grandchildren, Kelly (Nick) Tweiten, Megan (Trevor) Tompkins, Michael (Arielle) Barkman, Jill Barkman, Daniel Banman, Robert Banman, and great-grandchildren Aubrey and Alexis Tompkins, Rylie Lang & Leo Barkman.

She is survived by her sister Bernice Birzneck, in-laws Hilda Barkman, Laura Barkman, Shirley Lysack, John Barkman, Betty Ann Funk, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

In addition to Gordon, Norma was predeceased by her cherished daughter Dallas (Barkman) Dufault and son-in-law Mark Dufault.

The family would like to extend special thanks to all the staff at the Brightwater Senior Living Tuxedo, Dr. Brian Sharkey, and the attendants from Gentle Care At Home for their care and compassion in the last days of Norma’s life.

Donations in Norma’s memory may be made to an arts charity of your choice or the Steinbach Arts Council.

The memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with a private family interment.

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