Tag: Interlake Cremation

Joan Elizabeth Kolbauer (nee Giles)

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1943 – 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Kolbauer at St. Boniface Hospital on Tuesday, July 14 at the age of 83, surrounded by family.

She is survived by her children Laura Lynn (Peter), Jason (Tracey), Kristi, and her precious grandchildren Zoe, Pierce, Ryann, Emma, and Logan. She is also survived by her brothers Lyn and Jack Giles and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Ronald and her parents, John and Elizabeth Giles.  Joan will be missed by her many friends whom she loved liked sisters. 

Born during World War II, Joan did not meet her father until his return from the war in 1945. After residing in west end Winnipeg, her family moved to Elmwood where two years later, Joan began school at King George V.  She was just three years of age when she first met her life-long friend Dorothy. They always joked that they knew each other longer than anybody!

When her family moved to St. Boniface in 1949 Joan attended Marion School until the fall of 1952, when they moved again, this time to Stonewall. The small-town community introduced her to Brownies, Girl Guides and CGIT. She attended Sunday School on a regular basis at the Church of Ascension.  In 1960 she graduated from Stonewall Collegiate. 

She worked for almost a year at Eaton’s before pursuing a business education at MTI. Her next job was as a stenographer at Hughes Owens from 1962-1964. In August 1964 she began working at Goodyear Tire before and after Laura Lynn was born. She met Ron in 1971 and married in 1973.  After welcoming Jason and Kristi, she worked part-time at The Bay, Kildonan Place before returning to work full time at Goodyear once again in 1985. Retirement came in 2002 and she was to learn that she had never been busier.

One of the greatest joys of her life was being a grandmother. She treasured every opportunity to babysit her grandchildren, creating a lifetime of meaningful memories through everyday moments and special outings like going to the park or the children’s museum.  They loved when she made their favourite chicken and fries.  She took immense pride in watching them grow, celebrating their accomplishments, and being a constant source of encouragement and affection. The time they shared together was precious to her, and the love she gave so freely will remain a lasting part of their lives and her legacy.

During her retirement, Joan devoted countless hours to volunteering. She gave her time to River East Personal Care Home, KidsFest, Sherwood School, and International Hope. She also served as a board member and treasurer of the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society, where she was actively involved in the See Me Beautiful and Baby Love programs. Known affectionately as “Gramma Joan,” she formed many lasting friendships with the children and their families.

As well as volunteering she also loved to spend time playing cards with friends, travelling, baking, gardening and spending quiet evenings watching her favorite true crime shows and British television series.

We wish to express our thanks to the staff in Harmony Court at Riverwood Square and at St. Boniface Hospital who looked after our Mom with great care.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be announced at a later date.  Donations in Joan’s memory can be made to the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Joan’s memorial page using the comment field below.

Larry Bernard Swain

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July 27, 1949 – January 20, 2026

Larry Swain was 76 years old when he passed away on January 20th, 2026.

Known for his kindness and quick sense of humour, he never hesitated to help anyone in need. Whether it was lending a hand, sharing a laugh, or simply showing up when it mattered, he made life a little easier for those around him.

Larry was a devoted husband and father. He had a special love for dogs and was rarely without treats in his pocket, always ready to spoil any four-legged friend he met. It will be strange not seeing his work van driving through town anymore, a familiar sight that brought comfort to many. Larry’s presence will be deeply missed, but his kindness will not be forgotten.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend a graveside service celebrating the life of Larry on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Old St. Andrews on the Red Anglican churchyard cemetery located at 3 St. Andrews Road, St. Andrews, MB.

A reception will immediately follow at the Little Britain Church Hall, 5879 Main Street.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Larry’s memorial page using the comment field below.

Wanda Mae Hardwick

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January 16, 1953 – February 25, 2026

Wanda Mae Hardwick, 73 years young, beloved wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma, sister, auntie and friend to many, passed away surrounded by love and peace.

Wanda Mae was born January 16, 1953, in Selkirk, Manitoba. She was the eldest daughter of seven and sister to ten brothers. Mom married her one and only love, Bob Hardwick, May 29, 1971, and they shared a life of true devotion. Together they had three children, Roberta, Rob (Tikena) and Roy (Wendy), with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mom/Wanda will be remembered for her hard work ethics, zest for life, and that smile and infectious laugh that you could hear anywhere. Most of all, serving her one and only Lord Jesus Christ.

Wanda Mae will be incredibly missed by all who knew and loved her. It’s not good-bye, it’s see you later. We will meet again.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Wanda Mae’s memorial page using the comment field below.

Wanda Corrine Freeman

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September 25, 1964 – February 19, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce that Wanda passed away with family by her side at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was predeceased by her parents, K. Ronald Pungy and Hazel Freeman, and her soulmate, Don Goletz.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Ashley (Remi); son Austin (Faith); sisters Crystal and Pamela (Jon), nieces and nephews Anthony (Kristen), Chiron, Gabriel, Ciana, Isabella, and Josephyna; extended family and friends; and her beloved fur baby, Sandy.

Wanda was often the life of the party. She was fiercely competitive and always down for a game of Crib, Yahtzee, or Scrabble—usually with a drink in hand and her favorite tunes playing. Always quick witted and with a joke ready to go – she always had to get the last word in. She loved her children and family unconditionally and would do anything in her power for them.

Cremation has taken place, and a service will be held at a later date.

Rest in Peace Wanda, Mom, “Mouse”
We love you and will miss you.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Wanda’s memorial page using the comment field below.

Susan Louise Barr

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October 6, 1962 – January 25, 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Susan Louise Barr on January 25, 2026, at the age of 63. A loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt and grandmother she was surrounded by loved ones in her final moments.

Susan leaves to mourn, her loving sons Johnathon (Kat) and Warren as well as grandson, Archer. She is survived by her sister Debbie (Gary), brother Wayne (Patti) and her nieces and nephews, Brandi (Erik), Tyler (Zeph), Sawyer and Dallas. Also left to mourn are many close cousins and her Aunt Min.

Susan was predeceased by her parents, Louise and David, as well as her step father George.

Susan was born in Dryden, Ontario in 1962. When Susan was very young, the family moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba but they continued to have strong ties to the family left behind, including frequent visits and even a summer job for Susan at the Maple Leaf restaurant on, what was then named, Barr’s Corner.

Susan attended St. Alphonsus Elementary School in East Kildonan and Elmwood High School. Shortly after high school, Susan met Christopher Rawdon. They married in 1983 and welcomed their first son Johnathon in 1984, followed by their second son, Warren, in 1988.

They purchased their first house in 1985 in Transcona, where Susan continued to live until her passing. While Chris had to travel frequently for work, Susan was the constant in her children’s lives, balancing the demands of family life and a full-time career. In later years, she continued to raise her children independently while working full time, meeting every challenge with determination and love.

Susan worked for many years at Vista Park Lodge in Winnipeg. Despite her many responsibilities at home and at work, she formed friendships there that she valued deeply.

As her children grew older, Susan began taking night classes at Red River Community College to earn her accounting credentials. Around this time, she also moved on to work at Green Acres Funeral home. It was here where she was able to put her new skills to work and gained her bookkeeping experience.

Susan later transitioned into property management, where she found a natural fit and where her organization and people skills flourished. She had been working at Ash Management for nearly 10 years. She truly enjoyed her job and the people with whom she worked.

Susan rarely had the opportunity to travel outside of Canada, but when her brother married in Scotland, she could not be kept back. She embraced every opportunity to explore and create lasting memories with her family. Later her eldest son would marry in Las Vegas where she, again, embraced every joyful moment. She enjoyed that experience so much that she returned for her cousin Terry’s 50th wedding anniversary.

Susan grew up in a home where cooking was central to creating both memories and a sense of connection. She carried that deep love of cooking and baking throughout her life, finding happiness in creating meals and treats to share with others.

Susan’s family was the centre of her world. Above all else, she built her life around the people she loved and her greatest joy and proudest role was being part of her family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at E.J. Coutu & Co Funeral Home, 680 Archibald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, at 1:00 p.m.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Susan’s memorial page using the comment field below.