We Remember
CHARMAN, Barbara
April 5, 1935 — March 30, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our amazing mom, Barb (née Fricker) Charman, on March 30, 2021. Mom was born on April 5, 1935, in Rosetown, SK to Fred and Ziria Fricker. The Fricker family moved to Maple Creek, SK and then Victoria, BC around 1948 which is where Mom met her future husband, Fred (aka Son) Charman. They married in July 1955 and promptly moved to Kelowna, BC which Dad lovingly called God’s country. Mom and Dad would live the rest of their lives in Kelowna, Westbank and back in Kelowna. Mom gave birth to her 4 children at Kelowna General Hospital and many of her grandchildren were born there as well.
Those that knew Mom will remember a feisty, very smart woman who always spoke her mind. She loved to read and God forbid if the Kelowna Daily Courier didn’t show up on her doorstep every morning. Mom would be quick to call them and shortly thereafter she would have her paper to read and the crossword puzzle to do. Mom worked for many years at Eatons Catalogue on Bernard Ave. until it closed. Shortly after this, mom and her very good friend Joan started Friar’s Fish and Chips in downtown Westbank, which was very successful for many years. After this, mom worked at Dabbers Bingo Hall until her retirement.
Mom always loved to volunteer and her biggest passions were the Central Okanagan Heritage Society, Kelowna Community Theatre, and IHA. Mom loved to talk and tell stories until dementia took this from her. Mom will be missed by all that knew and loved her.
Mom is lovingly remembered by her sister Carol Ann Street; her 4 children, Doug (Heather), Leanne (Joe), Brenda (Steve) and Lorraine (Dave); her 8 grandchildren, Chris, Oz (Joel), Trish, Isaac (Laura-Lee), Jacob (Amber), Barbie (Drew), Karleen (Jake), and Ali; along with 4, soon to be 5, great-grandchildren.
Sadly, Mom was predeceased by her parents, husband Fred, two infant brothers, sister Debra, sister-in-law Grace Young, and brother-in-law Dave Street.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the nurses and staff at Lakeview Lodge for the excellent care Barbara received.
A Memorial Service will be held to honour Barbara, due to current restrictions it will be invitation only. The family would like to invite all who want to pay their respects to join by Livestream on FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021 AT 10:00 AM (see below). A recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Kelowna Community Theatre in Mom’s name.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
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Kelowna Community Theatre Link: theatre.kelowna.ca
Condolences
Dear Lorraine, Brenda, Leanne, and Doug. I don’t think I ever met your Mom, but she sure raised good kids. Hope you find comfort in knowing lots of people care, and grieve with you.
Love, Clay
Clay, you have become a better friend over the years than I ever imagined, thank you for your kind words and thoughts.
Barb’s compassion and caring were a great and appreciated help in a very difficult time . I loved her dearly for being there for cousin Jim and I. Margaret
Marg, you were always someone she loved so much. I have thought of you often since she has passed and what you must be feeling to lose a cousin. Thank you for the family that you have been, and continue to be to my grandmother, and all of us.
Thank you to all for your kind words and thoughts and love. Mom impacted a lot of peoples lives. She had many gifts and talents that she used always for the sake of others. It was very sad for those of us who knew her in the prime of her life to see dementia steal away so much.I’m grateful to Brenda being there to manage everything. Mom will be missed
Although I didn’t get to spend much time with (Grandma) Barb, I learnt quickly from our few visits that she was certainly a strong woman whose stories were engaging and heartwarming. I know she will be dearly missed by all that knew her. Sending love during this difficult time.
I was sad to see the Obituary in today’s Daily Courier….which it appears was an important piece in her life. I knew your Mom through the Central Okanagan Heritage Society. She used to come over to my office in the Milkshed at Guisachan Park and tell me all these stories. I so enjoyed our visits. She usually had a little donation – or would renew her membership. She was warm, funny, engaging, smart, and loyal to the causes that meant things to her. I will always have fond thoughts of your mom.
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing Lorraine. Hugs from Lyal and Berna.
Lyal and Berna, thank you so much for your thoughts about my Mom. It’s so nice to know longtime friends, co-workers, and employers go out of their way to send their love. You are the best!
Howie and I want you to know you all have our deepest sympathies on the passing of your Mother, Barb. Her love and open heart will always be remembered. She had a way that made you feel so welcome and was always so anxious to hear about everyone we had in common. Barb and Fred were very special people. Howie and Noreen
Thanks Noreen and Howie for your kind words about mom. It’s greatly appreciated.
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
To Doug, Leanne, Brenda and Lorraine: It was sad to hear of your mom’s passing. We all have good memories of our families growing up in Westbank. In the later years, Terry and Loretta met Barb at Bingo every Saturday. Barb and Terry got together 2 hours earlier to play crib. It brought great joy to Terry. And hopefully now, Barb and Terry can enjoy more crib together. Loretta Garvin and Family
Thank you so much for your remembrance of Mom. You were like a second family to me and I appreciated all the time I could spend at your home. Love always, Squeaky.
So many years ago, when my children were young and we lived in Kelowna for only a year or so, the Charmans and the Bunns were neighbours and Barb and I were good friends. We met in Barb’s kitchen for coffee many mornings and chatted about the world, our families and definitely about what books we were reading. I remember her having her hair done once a week. She actually had the hairdresser come to her house to do the shampoo, set and blow-dry. We kept in touch for many years after the Bunn family moved back to Vancouver and would visit in Kelowna for summer vacations. My sister and I stayed there overnight on our way to live in Ottawa and Toronto, respectively, for a year, which turned into five years for me. That was in 1979. When Fred was ill and needed to come to Vancouver for medical attention, we saw each other again, but I believe that was the last time for getting together in person. We wrote long Christmas letters to each other for years and years, to keep up with the lives of our families. Barb was a wonderful friend and I am so glad to have known her. Condolences to Doug, Leanne, Brenda and Lorraine.
To the whole Charman Clan. I just want you to know that I am deeply saddened by Barb’s passing. A piece of my heart is now missing. I consider it an honour and a privilege to have known Barb for 30+ years. I hope she has reunited with Fred and they are playing cribbage together once again! I just hope Barb doesn’t steal to many points from him!
Love, Karl and the Schuler.
I am so very thankful that Leanne reached out to me. I have a wonderful memory of your folks last trip out to MC to visit Mom and Dad. They stayed at the farm with Jerry and I as it suited everyone better. The laughter and fun we had warms my heart. May Your Mom and Dad catch up with Mom in heaven…..I feel their laughter and hugs exchanged in my heart…..all good folks enjoying the rest and reward of jobs well done here. Gone….not to be forgotten!!💗
I heard from my mom about Barb passing away and was very sorry to hear the news. I have great memories of her and the rest of the family and wanted to send my sincere condolences.
So sad to hear of your dear mother’s passing, your mother and and father were both so dear to me. They may be gone but the wonderful memories of my times with them will always be in my heart. I loved them both very much.
Thanks for your kind words Lorraine. We had great parents.
The last of a generation who will be greatly missed. Aunty Barb (and Uncle Fred) form some of the best memories of visits to Kelowna. Always friendly and welcoming. All my love and best wishes to the remainder of the Charman (and extended) family!
Thanks Marc. It was so wonderful that your mom could come to the service.