Barbara Kot was a remarkable lady. Born in 1923 to Anton and Magdelina Gaab on a farm near Weyburn, she was number five in what was to become a family of 10 children. From an early age Barbara was designated to help in the kitchen-a skill that she took with her during the war years. As a young adult she cooked first for threshing crews, at a restaurant in downtown Weyburn, then as a cook at the Weyburn hospital. In 1945 Barb married John A. Kot of McTaggart and moved to the farm outside of McTaggart. Barb raised seven children, kept a big vegetable garden, took meals to the field and participated in the McTaggart Women's Club as well as the local 4-H club. Along with husband John, she was active in the church first at St. Joan of Arc in McTaggart, then St. Vincent de Paul in Weyburn, and in politics. Both were avid square dancers, so much so that when a new barn was built on the farm in the early 1960's they hosted barn dances. In the early 1980's Barb and John retired to Weyburn but remained active with grandchildren and travel. They spent 16 winters in Weslaco, Texas. Barb took up crocheting and made many fine quilts and blankets. After John's passing in 2004 Barb moved to Bison Manor and finally, after some health issues, to Tatagwa View. Barb was a great cook, not the gourmet kind, the simple, down-to-earth-what-was-for-supper kind. If another person showed up for lunch or supper, no problem, there would be a minor miracle of loaves and fishes and there was enough food for all. Cards were a favorite pastime and Barbara was a card shark. Her fellow card players at Bison manor were a little dismayed when this legally blind woman would regularly beat them at 31 or cribbage. If there is one word that would be associated with Barbara it would be humor. Never at a loss for words or a comeback, our mother's humor was a product of her early years. It could be satirical and not everyone got it but Barbara could be counted on to try and lighten the mood at even the most serious of times. For our mother family was the greatest reward. In the last couple years with failing sight and hearing her greatest joy and contentment was to have family members present even if they visited among themselves. Barbara Kot passed away October 26, 2014 aged 90 years. Barbara was predeceased by her husband, John in 2004; parents, Anton and Magdalena Gaab; brothers and sisters, Rose Schmidt, Peter Gabb, Sue Klatt, George Gaab, Rudolph Gaab, Thomas Gaab, Elizabeth (Betty) Kot, and Joseph Gaab; brothers-in-law, Joe Kot and Michael Kot. Barbara is survived by all of her children: Walter (Grace) Kot of Weyburn, and their children Jennifer and Adam; Andrew (Geraldine) Kot of Airdrie, AB and their children Quentin and Danielle; Paul Kot of London, ON and his daughter Pauline; Tom (Nancy) Kot of Weyburn, and their children: Peter, Justin, and Michelle; Patricia (Calvin) Read of Regina, and their children: Curtis and Brittany; Marilyn Kot (her very good friend Catie) and daughter Nicole; David (Tamara) Kot of Weyburn, and their children Mackenzie, Emma, and Ashley; her sister, Eva Ford of Claresholm, AB; sister-in-law, Dorothy Gaab of Weyburn, brother-in-law, Steve (Kay) Kot of Ottawa, ON and sisters in law, Alice Kot of Regina, and Josephine Kot of Vancouver, BC; eight great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Prayers were said on Tuesday, October 28 at 6:30 pm at St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, Weyburn and Funeral mass on October 29 at 10:30 am from St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, Weyburn. Father Gerry Bauche presided at both. Pallbearers were: Adam Kot, Peter Kot, Justin Kot, Curtis Read, Brittany Read and Michelle Kot. Interment followed in Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn. For friends so wishing donations may be made in memory of Barbara to the charity of their choice. Many thanks to the staff of Tataqwa View for the care of our mother during her time there. Thank you to the readers, servers, choir, and any others involved in the funeral celebration, as well as to those who prepared and served the lunch. Barbara Kot was a great lady. Her humour, tolerance and kindness will be missed by all who knew her. In the tapestry of life her thread not only stood out a little, it held others together. Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma we will miss you. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn, (306) 842-5432.
