Barbara (Kuyek) Karakochuk was born July 22, 1930 to Theodore and Katherine (Sorotuik) Kuyek and passed away peacefully on August 6, 2020 at the Jubliee Nursing Home in Foam Lake. Barbara was the fifth child of a family of eight, five sons and three daughters and grew up on a farm south of Bankend, Sask. She attended Bankend School. Barbara had worked at the Bankend Hotel as a waitress for a short time and in November of 1949 married Michael Karakochuk. They resided with Michael’s parents and two sisters until 1952 when Michael built a home for their family. They raised four sons, Gerald, Morris, Dennis, Russell and one daughter, Jennifer. Mom enjoyed gardening and farm life. She became Dad’s right hand man following his surgery in 1956 which left him partially paralyzed on his left side. Mom cherished her grandchildren and always had perogies and cabbage rolls made if she knew they were coming. Holidays were a special time and the family all gathered at Baba’s house. Following Dad’s passing, Mom continued to help Morris and Jane with the farming operation and was a big part of her grandchildrens’ lives. Harvest was her favourite time, apple pies were readily available for coffee breaks in the field. Unloading the grain from the end gate of the grain truck became her job and don’t you dare interfere. When Mom made a decision it was shown respect. When it was mentioned that they should raise some pigs, Mom happened to be present at the time. There was an immediate, “no way there’ll be pigs,” said in complete disgust. That was that! Mom enjoyed making quilts and later took up crocheting beautiful doilies and dresser runners, which are cherished today. Her highlight in later years was picking up her friend Helen Kitzul and driving to Foam Lake to be a part of the Foam Lake Community Hall perogy ladies. In 2015 Barbara moved to Westview Seniors Centre in Wynyard and in February 2016 to Wan-Dor-Inn personal care home in Foam Lake. In November of 2016, Mom became a resident of the Foam Lake Jubilee Nursing Home until her passing. Barbara is survived by her four sons, Gerald (Diane) of Australia; Morris (Jane) of Foam Lake; Dennis (Frances) of Foam Lake; and Russell (Cari) of Saskatoon; son-in-law Don Melnychuk of Buraby, B.C.; sister Sonya (Ross) Holmes of Mississauga, ON; brothers Mitch Kyle of Dollard Des Ormeaux, QC; Fred (Marie) Kuyek of 70 Mile House, B.C.; eleven grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Barbara is predeceased by her parents Theodore and Katherine Kuyek; husband Michael; daughter Jennifer; sister Lena Kazmerik; brothers Steve, Nick and Bill Kuyek. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 11, 2020 There will be a Private Family Funeral Service Funeral Service will be live streamed Narfason’s Funeral Chapel & Crematorium’s Facebook Page. If unable to join the family remotely please go to www.narfasons.com and sign Barbara’s guestbook, leave a special memory or story