Barbara Jane Brower was the definition of kindness. She was loving, generous, compassionate, had a wonderful sense of humor, and above all else, she was a good person. She loved her family with her whole heart. She cared for her friends deeply. She prayed for everyone and anyone — even complete strangers. She had the strongest faith.
One of the defining moments of her life happened when she was only two months old: her mother passed away from childbirth complications. She had two people in her childhood that would have a profoundly positive impact. The first was her Grandma Goral, who raised her until she was six and who young Barbara loved very much. The other key figure in her life was her brother, Tom Peterson, who looked out for her and gave her support and encouragement. Tom and his wife Nydia continued to be very close her entire life. Barbara felt such gratitude for all Tom and Nydia did for her throughout the years.
At 18, Barbara started nursing training. It was intense and grueling, but she found that she loved nursing — and she formed incredibly strong bonds with her classmates. Those classmates remained good friends for the rest of their lives.
While on duty as a student nurse, she met the love of her life, Charles Brower. The two were married before long and they enjoyed a wonderful, loving marriage until he passed away in 1999.
Unquestionably, family was her greatest joy. Because she grew up without a mother, she wanted her children (and later grandchildren and great-grandchildren) to have a wonderful childhood, and for them to know just how much she loved them. She leaves behind her three children, Shannon (Kevin), Paul, and Chris (Tara), and her six grandchildren Ashley (Ivan), Tasha (Brett), Jake, Kiera, Devan, Callan, and great-grandchildren Hollie, Levi, and Brynlee.
Barbara loved spending time with her grand-pets as well.
In addition to her brother Tom, she also had six other siblings: Jeff, Judy, Danny, Patty, David, and Heather. She loved her entire family and kept in contact with her siblings and many nieces and nephews.
Barbara lived for the last 25 years in Southdale with the kindest neighbors you can imagine. They looked out for Barbara, taking turns helping her out in ways big and small.
On Saturday, January 29, 2022, she passed away from a battle with cancer. She was so kind and loving her whole life — and when she was ill that love was repaid by so many family, friends, and neighbors. She was truly thankful. A Celebration of Life is being planned for June 2022.
2 thoughts on “Barbara Jane Brower née Peterson”
I am so sad to hear of Barbara’s passing .Have many fond memories of our nursing days, in residence on River Ave. I remember her laugh to this day and the twinkle in her eye ,her sense of humour .She was a special soul .
Dear Shannon, Paul, Chris and Tara, grandchildren and great granddchildren of Barbara,
Broken hearted at receiving this sad news of dear Barbara, a loving friend to all of us in class 60 B of Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg. So many great memories, phone calls, laughs, lunches together, alumnae gatherings, so many wonderful times. An end to a wonderful friendship over 60 years. I will so miss her phone calls. Barbara’s dealing with cancer, then over two years of Covid prevented us from meeting in person. I will miss my longtime friend Barbara. Rest in peace.