Barbara “Blondie” Holinaty was born on Nov 29, 1925, in Fish Creek, SK. She was the youngest of 17 children to Joesph and Annie (Buhl) Kowalczyk. Barbara attended school at Fish Creek, SK. She married Charles Holinaty in 1944 and they lived at the farm south of Carpenter Road. They then moved to Bruno, SK, where Charles taught at Sunlight School. In 1952 they moved to Wakaw, SK. Barbara was a busy homemaker, a great cook, seamstress, gardener, card shark, and party coordinator. She and Charles loved their travels to Mexico, Europe, including the Holy Land, and to the United States. Later Barbara also travelled to the Dominican Republic and Philippines. When Charles retired from teaching, he and Barbara taught driver training. They loved spending time with their children, grand and great grandchildren.
Her Catholic faith was especially important to Barbara. She was a continuous member of the church choir, a sacristan, a CWL member for 70 years, and delivered the Eucharist to shut ins. She lived in her own home until Aug 2021, when she moved to Cornerstone Care Home in Wakaw, SK. In October 2022, she then moved to River’s Edge Villa in St Louis, SK. She passed away peacefully on Oct 16, 2023, at Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert, SK at the age of 97 with her children at her side.
Barbara is survived by her children, David (Pat) Holinaty, Patricia Ann Holinaty and Pamela (Lorne) Shabaga; 7 grandchildren and 11 great- grandchildren; sister-in-law Stella Holinaty, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Charles; and her son Kenneth; her Kowalczyk parents, siblings and their spouses; her parents-in-law Kaspar and Josephine (Niedzielski) Holinaty; her sister-in-law Janet Rawlyk; brothers-in-law Albert Holinaty and Ernie Rawlyk.
The Mass of Christian burial was held on Oct 21, 2023, at St. Theresa Parish in Wakaw, SK with Concelebrants, Reverend Fathers Nick Ferreras and George Canto. Interment was at St. Theresa Cemetery.
The family of Barbara wish to express sincere appreciation to the following: the staff of Cornerstone Care Home, River’s Edge Villa, and Victoria Hospital. A huge thank you also to St Theresa Parish for use of the church and hall, CWL honor guard and caterers, music ministry, and audio-visual attendants. Thank you to all family members who participated in the funeral service. Thank you to all who visited Barbara in her care homes and in hospital. Thank you for the many phone calls of condolence, for gifts of flowers, food, cards, mass offerings, and donations to St. Theresa Parish in memory of Barbara Holinaty.
Sincere thank you to Marianne Turcotte and staff of Beau ‘Lac’ Funeral Home for your prompt and efficient assistance with funeral arrangements. Your continuous help has far exceeded our expectations!
Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Marianne Turcotte, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.