Obituary of Barbara Jean Zalinko

ZALINKO, Barbara Jean (Wickware)

February 9, 1936 – January 12, 2022

“of tender heart and generous spirit”

Born February 9, 1936, in Regina to Norma and Herbert Wickware, Barb moved to Saskatoon with her family to attend University of Saskatchewan. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. During her university days, Barb met Russell Zalinko, and they were married on August 9, 1958. The young couple moved to Tisdale, SK, to start their careers in teaching and relocated to Regina in 1960, prior to starting their family.

Barb accomplished much during her career with the Saskatchewan Dairy Foundation and later her extensive tenure in the Provincial Parks Branch with the Government of Saskatchewan, retiring in June, 1996. Her retirement was filled with enjoying her four active grandchildren by proudly cheering them on in their team sports and billeting Justin and Kaitlin while they pursued their passion for hockey and volleyball. Barb also volunteered endlessly in the community with Regina Home Economics Project (HELP), Whitmore Park United Church, United Church of Canada Wascana Presbytery, Habitat for Humanity, and various other worthy causes.

Barb’s hands were full raising three children close in age, as well as helping to raise her “bonus” children from a neighbouring family (Gary, Carolynn, Sandra, and Marlon Meginbir) who were orphaned early in life. Her involvement in their lives exemplifies the true nature of Barb, who lived her life so selflessly. Mom was a bonus Grandma to many. She was affectionately known as Mrs. Zee, G’Ma, Auntie Grandma, Grandma Zee, and most recently GG (Great-Grandma). Barb put into practice loving God and loving your neighbour, by committing her time and energy to those around her. Barb remained positive and stoic, despite numerous health challenges over the last four years.

Wherever Mom went she brightened the lives of those around her and was surrounded by a vast network of close friends and colleagues. For the past year and a half, Barb enjoyed living independently in an assisted living facility, Brightwater Senior Living of Capital Crossing. She was the third resident to move in when the complex first opened, and she made sure to welcome each new tenant as they arrived.

Barb entered her eternal home on January 12, 2022, and she is reunited with her husband, Russ, who passed away nineteen years ago. Left to cherish her legacy are her sons, Dale, Grant (Jacquie) Zalinko; daughter Kathy (Mike) Korey; grandsons Justin (Jenn) Scott, Kyle (Brittni) Scott, and Ryan Zalinko (Kaci Heagy); granddaughter Kaitlin (Josh) Duchin; great-granddaughter Blakely Scott; brother Barrie Wickware (Chris Freeman); sisters-in-law Sheryl Zalinko (Fred Bast), Louise Gillis, and Jean Day; and numerous nieces and nephews. The extended family and many friends of our dearly loved Mom will always remember her caring nature, her warm hospitality, and her delight in carrying on wonderful conversations.

Our family would like to express our deepest appreciation and gratitude to the staff and residents at Brightwater for providing such a loving community for Mom during her time there.

A heartfelt thank you to Drs. Tsang and Rehman and the staff on Unit 6F of the General Hospital, as well as the Palliative Unit at the Pasqua Hospital for their tireless care and support. You truly are the real heroes.

A Celebration of Barbara's life will be held on Friday, June 17, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Westminster United Church, 3025 13th Avenue, Regina, SK with Reverend Ken Powers officiating, with fellowship to follow. Parking has been reserved at Holy Rosary Cathedral for guest's convenience between 12:30 - 4:00 p.m. If friends so wish, donations to Brightwater would be gratefully accepted in Barb’s memory to: Brightwater Senior Living of Capital Crossing, 1325 N. Argyle St. Regina, SK, S4X OR2; Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan, 101-1445 Park St, Regina, SK S4N 4C5; or a charity of choice in medical research.