We are saddened to announce the passing of Barbara Ann (Kastrukoff) Smillie of Red Deer, AB on December 31, 2023.

As the rest of the world celebrated the beginning of a new year, our family mourned the loss of our Matriarch, our Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, the woman we all knew and loved as Nanny.

 

Barbie was born in The Pas, Manitoba on April 20, 1963.  From the beginning she was a curious little firecracker who marched to the beat of her own drum, destined to carve her own path in the world. She settled in Red Deer, AB to create her community and raise her family.  Barb was patient, with a kind and generous heart. She loved her friends and family fiercely; a protector and advocate for anyone she chose to call family. Her greatest joy in life was being “Nanny or Nan.” She loved to dance, laugh, and sing songs, doing anything silly to see her grandbabies smile.

 

Barb leaves behind her children Melissa; Cherry (Matthew); Dusty (Leyna); Taylor.  Her grandchildren Makayla; Emilly; Jenica; Peyton; Elena; Masen; Corbin; Jaxson; Violet; Lily and her great-grandaughter Ayla.

 

She was predeceased by her grandparents Ernest & Barbara Ilene Gamblin; her parents Steven & Constance Irene Kastrukoff; her siblings Reginald Kastrukoff; Ernest Kastrukoff and her fur babies Stevie; Puddles; and Lola.

 

To honor Barb’s memory, we are holding a celebration of her life at 1:00 PM on February 12th 2023, at the Red Deer Funeral Home and Crelebration Centre – 6150 67th Street, Red Deer, Alberta.

Please join us as we share stories and tears in loving memory of Barbara, Barb, Barbie, Mom, Nan, Nanny.

• Date : 2023-12-31
• Location : Red Deer Funeral Home