Obituary of Barbara Victoria MacLeod
MACLEOD, Barbara
(nee Gisi)
June 7, 1935 – July 12, 2020
It is with profound sadness that the family of Barbara (Barb) MacLeod, a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, announces her passing on July 12, 2020 at the age of 85. This incredible lady of deep faith, who touched the lives of everyone she met, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord, unafraid and knowing that her life journey was coming to an end. The world is not quite as nice a place with her passing.
Barb was born in Tisdale, Saskatchewan in 1935 and lived her early life on a farm with her parents and 3 brothers. She was a member of the last generation to attend elementary school in a one room country school, eventually moving to Tisdale to attend high school. It was there that she met and began dating David MacLeod, whom she married in 1957. Thus was born an amazing and enduring partnership that lasted for almost 70 years.
Barb attended Business College in Saskatoon at a time when it was not common for women to do such things, and got her first job at Federated Co-op earning the princely sum of $140 per month. Eventually, her main role became the raising of their 4 children, which she did with strength, kindness and love. As the kids grew and as she put it, she and Dave no longer “needed a babysitter”, Barb returned part time to “Federated” where she worked for another 13 years. Her strong sense of faith eventually led her to the Archdiocese of Regina, where after 14 years of dedicated service to the Catholic community of the Diocese she ended her working career.
Barb’s kind and giving nature was evident in the activities that she undertook throughout her life. These are too numerous to mention, but of particular note was her work with the Catholic Women’s League of St Martin’s parish, where she was treasurer at least 4 times, and for whom she organized and ran the annual CFL football pool, which never seemed to pay out, at least to her unlucky family members. Not surprisingly, given her nature, she met many lifelong and treasured friends as a result of her parish work. She also volunteered at the Regina General Hospital Gift Shop, played bridge 2-3 times per week, and was a season ticket holder for the Saskatchewan Roughriders for over 50 years. Like many in this province, her enthusiasm for all things Rider knew no bounds.
Barb loved to sing. In her later years, she especially loved singing with the “Singing Grannies”, a group of friends bonded together by their love of music, singing and the joy of sharing those gifts with others. The group frequently visited at care homes and similar places to sing for the residents and brighten up their day. Making people smile was simply part of her nature.
Barb was a woman of boundless energy, with a strong devotion to her family, which grew over the years to include 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, all of whom adored “Granny”.
Words of remembrance for Barb would not be complete without mentioning her incredible abilities in the kitchen, skills which she got from her mother Helen. Her cinnamon buns and dinner buns were legendary both inside and outside the family, and when the kids and grandkids knew that Granny was baking buns, there would be a line up at the kitchen to get a dozen (at least) to take home. They were indeed the best.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Sackes and Helen Gisi and her brothers Harold and Victor Gisi. She is survived by her husband David, her children Kevin (Marilyn) and their daughter Kristin (Chris) Kish, Tim (Leona) and their daughter Nicole (Brayden Schwartz), Mark (Carla) and their daughters Rebecca (Jake) Kowal and Melissa (Sean Briant), and Heather (Tom) Fortosky, and their children Jennifer (Brad) Gifford, Colleen and David. She will be greatly missed by her great-grandchildren Piper, Rupert and Iris. She is also survived by her brother, Lee Gisi, sister in law Amber MacLeod, sister in law Joyce Shiels, brother in law Mac MacLeod, sister in law Gail Mogdan (Norman), sister in law Doreen Gisi, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Barb will forever remain in our hearts. We are heartbroken, but are truly comforted by the thoughts and prayers of Barb’s many many friends, whose lives she touched over the years. We will love her forever.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. John Morris, her long time physician and friend, and to the staff of Green Falls Landing Assisted Living Unit for their loving care and friendship.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. Those who wish to attend remotely can view a livestream of the service using the link to Speers TV at the top of Barb’s tribute page. Please be aware that the livestream link will not be available until the day of the service.
In lieu of flowers, and to honour Barb’s life, those wishing to do so may make memorial donations in her memory to St Martin’s Roman Catholic Parish 4720 Castle Road, Regina, Sask. S4S 4X1 or the Canadian Cancer Society.
To leave an online message of condolence, please visit Barb’s Tribute Page at www.speersfuneralchapel.com
