Anna (Anne or Annie) Barton (nee Kotzubaylo) passed away peacefully on at the age of 92 years, on March 5, 2020 at Mont St. Joseph Home in Prince Albert, SK. Annie was born on September 9, 1927, in Slobidka a small village in Poland. A few months before her birth, Annie’s father left Poland, immigrating to Canada. When Annie was 10 years old, her father was able to send for Annie, her mother and her brother, Wally. With her doll and suitcase in hand, Annie and her family boarded a train to Liverpool, then the Princess of York Ship for a one-week excursion to Halifax, ending their journey via train to Prince Albert. Annie would often talk about her dislike for boats, never wanting to get on them if she didn’t have to, attesting it was due to the wavy waters and sea sickness she endured as a girl. Annie attended Queen Elizabeth School and helped with the family garden, this is where her love for gardening and homemaking likely developed.

On August 26, 1947, Annie married Herbert (Herb) Barton. They had settled in a small home just south of Prince Albert, close enough to the city but having all the elements of an acreage. They welcomed their son Marvin in 1950 and their daughter, Donna in 1960. Annie and Herb were blessed with four grandchildren: Geoffrey, Pamela, Amanda and Matthew. Annie dedicated her life to her children and her grandchildren. Annie loved having her family close by, calling to see how everyone was and inviting family over. To say Annie was the kindest and most loving woman, would be an understatement. Annie was the epitome of a homemaker and her Polish roots were always very evident. She loved to have company. While Annie often ate like a bird, she ensured her guests never left hungry. She always had ample amounts of food, beverages and snacks, sending food with you as you left. She loved when her family would come over at lunch, making soup and sandwich or a special meal on Fridays. When her grandchildren were in high school, Annie loved when they attended her home for home cooked lunch meals. Annie loved canning, baking and cooking; her home made perogies, noodles and carrot cake were by far the best. Annie also loved gardening. For such a tiny woman, she sure had a big garden and flowers throughout her yard. Visiting Grandma and Grandpa’s house was always a favourite of the grandchildren. You could be sure to leave with a bag of chips and home-made cookies, and never-ending kisses. While Annie’s great-grandchildren were never able to experience this side of her, she was always a favourite to visit because of her soft-spoken ways, affection and her interest in all their little milestones. She loved the visits with her young great-grandchildren, just as much as they loved them with her.

After Herb passed, Annie continued to live in her home until she finally agreed to move into an apartment. As daily living became too much to handle, Annie moved into Ika’s Care Home and the Barton and Wessel family welcomed Vera, Alex and their staff as part of the extended family. For four and a half years, they provided excellent care to Annie which we as a family will always be grateful for. The family would also like to thank the staff at Herb Bassett Home for the short time she was there. Annie moved into Mont St. Joseph nine months prior to her passing. To all the staff there, thank you for making her final year of life as comfortable and happy as possible. This became home to her. Annie was always so appreciative of the care she received and visitors who came to see her, telling all how kind they were and how much she loved them.

Annie’s memory will be carried on in her surviving family: her children Marvin (Dorothy) Barton and Donna (Les) Wessel; her grandchildren: Geoffrey Barton, Pamela (Jeremy) Loveridge, Amanda (Kyle) Lofstrom and Matthew (Christa) Wessel; her great-grandchildren Kadi, Heidi, Brooke and Austin Loveridge; Hannah and Scarlette Lofstrom; and Esther Wessel; her brother-in-law Dean Scansen; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Annie was predeceased by her husband of nearly 55 years, Herb Barton; parents Marjorie and Dmytro (Mike) Kotzubaylo; brother Walter and sister-in-law Pat Kaye; Herb’s sisters and brothers-in-law; and other family members.

In keeping with Annie’s wishes a private family service will be held.

In lieu of other tributes, memorial donations may be made in Annie’s memory to the Mont St. Joseph Foundation, 777 28 Street East, Prince Albert, SK S6V 8C2 or to the Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan-Dementia Research, 301-2550 12th Avenue, Regina, SK S4P 3X1.

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Tracy-Lynn Lenchuk, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.

• Date : 2020-03-05
• Location : Prince Albert, SK