Obituary of Dr. Barbara Lynn Bourassa
BOURASSA: Barbara Bourassa, 15 Viceroy Crescent, Brandon, Manitoba, her home since 1985.
Barbara was born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, on November 18, 1956. Her father, Gordon Slabick, passed away when Barbara was two years old and a few years later her mother, Agnes, met Adrian Bourassa and moved to Estevan, Saskatchewan. She joined an already large family, with step-siblings Brian, Dale (Eric), Gary and Carol (Bill). The family expanded with JoAnn (Scott), Lorin and Alyson.
Barb had a wonderful childhood studying with the nuns at the Catholic school, playing the piano and working at her Dad's jewellery store. She then attended Estevan High School where she joined the marching band as a flute player and performed as far away as The Netherlands.
Barbara decided to become an optometrist and at age 17, she took the train east and started her post-secondary education at the University of Waterloo. She met many of her lifelong friends there, including her husband-to-be, Don Williamson. They shared years of pain and joy attending optometry school and graduated together in May 1979. When two positions opened up in Brandon, Manitoba, Barb and Don joined Dr. James McQueen in practice for the first year of their careers.
In 1980, they shared a monumental year: engagement, marriage, (September 27 in Estevan), a lovely honeymoon in Hawaii and opening their own optometric practice in the First Street Plaza (November 1980). Barb practiced for 35 years in Brandon and at a satellite clinic in Souris once a week for 20 years. She made friends with all her patients and treated them like members of her family. She was a great optometrist and was especially proud to be part of the legendary Class of 1979. Many of her classmates continue to be amongst her closest friends, including Dr.'s Marlene Reiss, Carol Cressman and Marta Witer, who were by her side through some of her toughest last days.
She loved being an optometrist and truly loved all her partners: Dr.'s Greg Boguski, Len Rust, Ian Beaumont, Trent Turner and Lisa Suski. She always treated her employees with kindness and patience and the staff returned her love till the end.
Optometry always kept her busy, but it was her home life that she lived for. Barb and Don became the proud parents of four gorgeous, independent, loving girls, Lauren (1982), Danielle (1985), Hailey (1988) and Marley (1994).
Barb was an amazing woman as she juggled involvement with her family, church, school, office and music. She could not have managed it all without the loving assistance of Sue and Rick McDonald and their daughter, Bobby Lynn.
Family really was everything to Barb, but she also managed to be very involved in the community, including Beginning's Preschool, St. Augustine's Parish, (chairing Fall Suppers and the School Board), was president of the Brandon University Foundation Board, active in the Suzuki violin program, School Band Fundraising chair and amazingly, High School Rodeo. She was also active for a time in the Beta Sigma Phi sorority.
Music provided the foundation of the girls' lives - Lauren and Dani started in piano, but soon the family discovered one of Brandon's true musical geniuses, Rob Richardson. He made music a beautiful part of their lives as three of the girls spent countless years in the Suzuki program playing violin and cello. Barbara had endless patience, listening to hours and hours of practice, while her dog Mickey howled along. The tradition is being passed to the next generation as Barbara's granddaughter, Bethany, has begun her Suzuki training as well. Barbara always encouraged the girls to choose their way and Danielle became a fabulous French horn player with Dr. Bill Gordon's guidance.
Later in life, horses became her passion, at one time owning six of them. She made so many great friends during those years, but none more special than Barry Foote. His kind, gentle nature was essential as Barbara and the girls needed lots of help learning how to care for their horses. Later, Sara Reid and Wilf and Karen McKay became her mentors and friends as Marley moved to the world of equestrian jumping.
Of all the joys in her life, becoming a grandmother may have trumped all. Barbara was the perfect loving grandma to Lauren's daughter, Bethany (born 2012). No words can describe a grandmother's love for her beautiful Boo Boo, especially in the tough final months, when her little laugh would always brighten Barb's day.
A simple thank you is not enough to convey the family's gratitude for the incredible care received from Dr. Caplan, Dr. Mohamed and especially Dr. Duplooy and all the staff at Cancer Care. Throughout her months of illness, her friends Wendy Brownlie and Brenda Donald were also a great support to Barb and her family. The palliative care staff (especially Sher and all the nurses and aides) are unsung heroes as they made her final days so very special, even allowing the family to bring her beloved dog, Kona, and her horses by for a visit. In preparing for her funeral and celebration of life, the family has received extensive assistance from their friends in Brandon; particularly Tracy Tremblay, Marlene Kirton, and Barry Cullen.
Barbara is survived by husband Dr. Don Williamson, daughters Lauren Davies (Chris), Danielle (Chris Bourbeau), Hailey (Cale Jefferies), Marley (Cary Johnson-Escabedo), her granddaughter Bethany Davies; her siblings Dale (Eric) Lane, Carol (Bill) Gyselman, JoAnn (Scott) McKenzie, Lorin Bourassa and Alyson Bourassa and her many nieces and nephews and their children.
Pall Bearers are Chris Davies, Chris Bourbeau, Cale Jefferies, Cary Johnson, Dr. Greg Boguski and Lorin Bourassa. Barbara was pre-deceased by her parents, Adrian and Agnes Bourassa, brothers Brian and Gary Bourassa.
A Prayer Service will be held at Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church, 327-4th Street, on Friday, June 3, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.
Because Barb was so passionate about children and music, we have created a memorial fund in her name under the Brandon Area Community Foundation to ensure the longevity of The Suzuki Music Program in Western Manitoba. The philosophy of Suzuki is to develop strong character in children through musical education which closely mirrors how Barb lived her life and raised her family.
We would be so grateful for your support in helping us create a significant fund to ensure the long term success of the program. If you wish to donate, there are a few ways to do it.
Online: Visit the Brandon Area Community Foundation Website, at http://bacf.ca/donors/donate-online , Click 'Donors - Donate through Canada Helps' —> 'Donate Now'
Ensure you've selected to apply your donation to the 'Brandon and Area Community Fund' option, and dedicate your donation In Memory of Dr. Barbara Bourassa. Donations can be made via Paypal, InteracOnline or credit card and a tax receipt will be emailed.
By cheque: Visit bacf.ca and download the donation form. Include 'In Memory of Dr. Barbara Bourassa' in the instructions. Forms and cheques can be mailed to Brandon Area Community Foundation DPO Box 22096 Brandon, MB, R7A 6Y9 Unit 5A Renaissance Station 457 – 9th Street
By phone: call the Brandon Area Community Foundation and tell them you'd like to make a donation In Memory of Dr. Barbara Bourassa 204-571-0529
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