Barbara Evelyn Cornell (nee Barnes), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the age of 74 years in Red Deer, Alberta. Barbara was born on Tuesday, June 5, 1951, to Ernest and Evelyn Barnes in Ponoka, Alberta. Growing up, she attended school in Ponoka and helped with the family farm raising dairy cows and pigs and working seeding and harvest seasons. After her high school graduation, she worked at the Ponoka Public Library and then went to attend Red Deer College, graduating from the Teacher Aid Program in 1975. From there she worked with the Red Deer School Board Office. In fall of 1978, she met Robert at a square dance class. After the two of them danced around Alberta for a couple of years, they married on July 5, 1980. Together, they raised three children, Gina, Craig and Mark. Among her greatest pleasures was spending time with her family, especially taking the kids to their many activities and cheering them on from the sidelines. Whether it was swimming lessons, skating, dance recitals, Brownies, Cubs or Scouts, she loved it all. Barbara was known for her exceptional customer service, treating everyone with kindness, patience and respect. Working at IGA for nearly eleven years, customers often wanted her line specifically so they could visit with her and share a smile. From there she continued her career in customer service at Walmart, working various roles for 16 years. She was known for her friendly smile, building lasting relationships with customers and coworkers alike. Some of her happiest moments were spent traveling with family, whether it was camping, vacations in BC, miscellaneous day trips throughout Alberta or going on the big road trip from Red Deer to Disneyland. So many cherished memories of those holidays. After their kids were grown and moved out, Barbara and Robert continued to enjoy traveling together throughout the United States of America. Barbara was an active member of her church, singing in the choir, and serving on the church’s board. She also dedicated a great deal of time to the independent order of foresters. In her later years, a diagnosis of dementia and colon cancer brought significant changes to her life, but she faced those challenges with strength and resilience until the end. Barbara is survived by her loving husband of nearly 46 years, Robert; her three children, Craig (Ewelina) Cornell, Gina (Jason) Malansky and Mark (Amber) Cornell; her stepdaughter, Crista Cornell; a proud grandmother to, Myles, Alex, Jordyn, Chloe, Zoe, Angelique, Peyton, Wyatt and Tanner; her sister, Linda Barnes; and five nephews. Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Ernest and Evelyn Barnes; her brothers, Eric, Mike and Kerry Barnes; sisters-in-law, Joan and Janet Barnes. A Memorial Service in Barbara’s honour was held at Parkland Funeral Home, 6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer, Alberta on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Ruth Ann Sigurdson officiating. Following the Memorial Service, the congregation was invited to join the family in the Reception for a light lunch. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations in Barbara’s honour may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta at https://donate.mytributegift.org/?cid=c73c5ce1081932b58d4f454254a7c3bc47b155014203c6dbfacae737207c0a70 She will be dearly missed by who knew and loved her. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

“Caring Community Compassion Since 1999”

6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

• Date : 2026-06-13
• Location : Parkland Funeral Home (Red Deer) www.parklandfuneralhome.com 403.340.4040