Obituary of Barbara Ellen Kirschman

Barb was born on April 22, 1964. Sadly, she left us far too soon on March 5, 2012 at the age of 47 years. She leaves behind her two beautiful daughters Nicole and Erica, her parents Ken and Reba, her brothers and their wives Glen and Tina, Troy and Nina, her sister Rebecca (Roseanne), her nieces Lauren, Sarah, Aerianna and Cimone, her lifelong friend Leanne Holloway, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, and many many friends. Barb was the third of four children in Ken and Reba's busy home. She grew up on the family farm west of Castor where she and her siblings enjoyed the many adventures that come with being a farm kid. She went to school in Castor, first at Castor elementary then on to Gus Wetter high school. She was very active in sports and joined in numerous clubs while growing up. Barb did extremely well in school and graduated as class valedictorian in 1982. After high school she moved to Edmonton where she obtained her nursing degree. Barb worked in Castor, Red Deer, and Edmonton during her career. Being a nurse was not just a job for Barb. It really was her calling. In 1986, Barb married Ted Benesch. She was a beautiful young bride. Even though their marriage was not meant to be, she had no regrets as it brought Barb her two girls, Nicole in 1989 and little Erica in 1992. Barb’s journey through this life was not an easy one. The world can be an awfully hard place to be when you are as gentle and kind as our Barb was. She faced many hard times and challenges which left their mark on her sweet, soft heart. The biggest challenge of all, for Barb, became her health. Over the past 5 years she developed many serious health issues. She fought the good fight, but eventually her body could not go on and pneumonia took her from us. We will miss you Barb, mother, sister, daughter, friend, our angel. Funeral services were held at Knox United Church in Castor, Alberta on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 with Reverend Barbara Zimmerman and Reverend Glenn Simmonds officiating. Cathy Schaffner played the piano and the organ for the congregational hymns and for the Knox United Church Choir as they presented their gift of music. Glen Kirschman, Leanne Holloway, Ellen Abbott and Sharon Moffat gave loving tributes and Roseanne Wolter gave the eulogy. Sharon Moffat presented a pictorial tribute. Pallbearers were Bill Innocent, Craig Spady, Wade Simmonds, Mike Orr, Terry Hepp and Mark Holloway. Family and friends gathered in the Upper Hall of Knox United Church for a time of fellowship and refreshments by the Knox U.C.W. Memorial donations may be made to either the Paintearth Lodge or to Knox United Church Memorial Fund.