HOUSTON: Barbara Mary Houston, nee Hollingworth, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2013 at the Battlefords District Care Centre at the age of 88. Born in 1925 in Mansfield, England, Barbara became a registered nurse, caring for British and German soldiers at Nottingham General Hospital during the war. She met William Houston, a doctor in the hospital, and they married and later immigrated to Saskatchewan in 1953, with children Rosamond and Simon. Son Jeremy was born in Regina, and the young family also lived in Ottawa and Montreal before finally settling in North Battleford in 1958, where William was the pathologist at the Battlefords Union Hospital for the following twenty-seven years. Daughter Pamela, born a few years after their arrival in North Battleford, completed the family. Barbara was vivacious and caring, a dedicated wife and mother. Their parties at the house on 96th Street often featured her legendary trifle! She was passionately fond of animals, often taking in a stray kitten or puppy. A firm supporter of the arts, Barbara was active on the Music Festival Committee for several years and eventually became its president. She was also a member of the Battlefords Community Players. A talented actress, she delighted audiences in many roles, especially comedies. In later years, she enjoyed a quiet life in the country, attending her beloved church and caring for her animals, including Major the horse who under her care lived to the ripe old age of 37. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Thomas and Ethel Hollingworth, her brother Geoffrey and her sister-in-law Barbara Jean, and her husband William. She is survived by her four children and five grandchildren, and also her three cats and her dog. The family would like to thank the Battlefords Union Hospital, the Cut Knife Care Centre, and the Battlefords District Care Centre for ministering to Barbara's needs in the last months of her life, and also St. Paul's Church for their loving support. Memorial donations can be made to the Battlefords Humane Society and St. Paul's Anglican Church. The Funeral was held at 2:30 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 3rd at St. Paul's Anglican Church in North Battleford. E-mail condolences can be forwarded to [email protected]. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Battlefords Funeral Service. _____________________________________________________
