On Monday June 10, 2024, Mrs. Stella Barkowsky of 100 Mile House passed away at the age of 81, with her daughter by her side.
She was predeceased by her love and husband Edward, father George, mother Edna and brother Robert, mother-in-law Mary (John) and sister-in-law Irma (Henry). Our beloved mother Stella will forever be missed by her son Karl and grandchildren Dylan (Kenzie) and Paige (Connor); daughter Christine and grandchildren Crystal and Nickolas (Hannah); daughter Anita (David) and grandchildren Miranda (Keenan), Annalise and Emma; son Anthony and grandchildren Dryden and Ceara (Haden); son Eugene and grandchildren Nyla (Benjamin), Caelan and Jessiah; daughter Tamara (Brian); great-grandchildren Avery, Abigail, Jacob, Audrey, Scotlyn; sisters Loretta and Patricia; sister-in-law Veronica and brother-in-law John (Myrna), as well as many dear extended family and friends.
As a young girl, Stella was an excellent swimmer and diver and already was actively singing on stage, often with her sisters. She married at 18, was a mother of six children by the age of 28 and by the early 70s they moved to Wildwood, where they set up a hobby farm.
She enjoyed ocean fishing, beachcombing, entertaining, spending time with her family and friends and caring for her mother Edna for many years. Throughout life, music nurtured her soul and she blessed others with her gift. Stella was a woman of faith and was active in her home Church "Evangel" in Powell River and in later years, New Denver, Gallagher Lake and Oliver. She loved being involved in the choir and singing in ladies groups, being a Sunday school teacher and superintendent and taking part in Women's Ministries.
Her interest in RVing and canning lead Stella and Ed to volunteer for the Okanagan Gleaners in Oliver each year and they soon found themselves living nearby. Stella was a devoted wife of 57 years. After the passing of her husband in Oliver, she came to the Cariboo to live with her daughter Anita and son-In-law David in the 108 Mile Ranch.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the Interior Health Home and Community Support Team, Adult Day Services, Care Free Manor care staff, Fischer Place (D- wing) and Mill Site Lodge Long Term Care staff Dr. Gerts, Dr. Patel and Case Mngr. Tanya Seiler.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1pm on Friday, July 5th, 2024, at Evangel Church, 5139 Manson Avenue, Powell River, followed by a reception lunch.
