BARBARA EMMA CHRISTINE DOE, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Horace “Holly” Doe, passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa on Friday, March 8, 2024 at the age of 97 years.

Barbara is survived by her son Donald, (Jimena) and grandchildren Mathew and Braedan; son David (Konny); sister-in-law Julie Lastuka; brother-in-law Jack Harmon, and numerous very special nieces, nephews, as well as great-nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband Holly, she was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law Anne and Vince Bobinec, her sister Dorothy Harmon, and by her brother Ed Lastuka.

She was born on December 24, 1926, to Nick and Mary Lastuka. She came into this world prematurely and weighed only three pounds. Her mother Mary cared for her at home, keeping her warm in front of the open oven door.

Barbara grew up on the family farm east of Stirling, Alberta. These were happy times for Barbara, as she often talked about her time on the farm, feeding chickens and tending to the yard. She would speak of how she and her older sister Anne would ride a horse to school in Stirling.

Upon graduation from high school, Barbara attended secretarial college, and this would lead to employment with the Royal Bank and then the City of Lethbridge. Living and working “in town” was something a bit out of the ordinary for a woman at this time, considering her traditional Ukrainian background. She fully enjoyed her life as a single gal in Lethbridge, and there are many pictures of her laughing it up with friends at dance halls, work parties, and on various trips to Waterton and the West Coast. Barbara was very meticulous about her appearance when going out and about, and the pictures show a vibrant and fashionable young lady. It was during this time that she also became the “Cool Aunt” to her nieces and nephews, and to this day they still speak of how she would buy them toys and take them out to the movies.

It was while employed as a Secretary at the City of Lethbridge, she met her future husband and lifelong companion, Horace “Holly” Doe. They were married in the Anglican Church on October 7, 1961. On December 4, 1962, they welcomed their first-born son, Donald, into the world, followed by David, on May 14, 1965. With two children at home, Barbara gave up her career at the City of Lethbridge to become a fulltime homemaker for her husband and two children. Barbara and Holly raised their children in the family home, always putting them first. There were fun filled family trips to places such as Vancouver, Montana, and Disneyland, and of course, fishing and camping at Duck Lake. Barbara also supported the boys in their time playing hockey and baseball. She even put up with her glass figurines vibrating off the coffee table when one of the boys started a rock band in the basement.

More than anything else, Barbara loved spending time with family. The house was often full of extended family at Christmas, New Years, Easter, and Thanksgiving. She loved baking and, of course, all family members benefited from this. She would spend hours on the phone speaking with her sisters, Anne and Dorothy, and often visited her brother Ed, who continued to work the family farm where she grew up.

After Holly’s passing in 1995, Barbara soldiered on in the family home, keeping the yard and garden up with help as best she could. It was during this time that she became a grandmother to Mathew and Braedan, and of course nothing made her happier than this. In 2005, she became the adoptive mother to a 100-pound Doberman Pinscher named Genghis, who became her friend and protecter for the next eight years. Genghis always got his toast with butter while she drank her morning coffee.

In 2016, it became impossible for Barbara to stay at home. She became a resident of the View in Lethbridge for the next four years. Her favorite thing here was getting dressed up for lunch and dinner where there was always “her place” at the table with her friends. In 2020, due to declining health, Barbara moved to St. Therese Villa, where she very much enjoyed the gardens. She resided here until her passing.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to all the staff of second floor east at St. Therese Villa, who went above and beyond in providing her care over the last four years. We would also like to thank LPN Ashlee and Dr. Mark Cahill who offered compassionate support and comfort at the end of Barbara’s life.

A Viewing will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 12:00 P.M., followed by a Funeral Service at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Steve Bateman officiating. The Funeral Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Barbara’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

Following the Funeral Service, Barbara will be laid to rest next to her husband Holly in Mountain View Cemetery.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2024-03-08
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta