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Valera BARKER

December 18, 2004

BARKER, Valera Irene BARKER

Mrs. Valera Irene Barker (nee Jellison) beloved wife of the late Mr. Leslie Barker, passed away after a lengthy illness at the Red Deer Regional Hospital on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at the age of 82 years. Irene was born at Coronation, Alberta on November 4, 1922. In 1942, Irene moved to Vancouver to engage in war work, and served as a telephone operator. While there she met and married her life companion of 38 years, Leslie Barker. The couple had no children. In 1948, Irene and Les returned to Red Deer where she worked for many years. Leslie Predeceased Irene on November 4, 1982. Irene was very family oriented, giving and receiving much love from all her nieces and nephews as well as their children. She enjoyed researching family genealogy and devoted much time to the Historical Society, the Norwegian Lafthus, the Red Deer Museum and many other organizations. She was very devoted to charity work, she taught Sunday School and loved to play Bridge. Irene leaves to mourn her passing, Sister Shirley (Carl) Bettenson of Red Deer, Elaine and Richard Savidant of Summerside, P.E.I. and Donna Reyda also of Red Deer. Her memory will be further cherished by her nieces and nephews: Douglas (Jane) Bettenson, Lee Conklin and Carol Bettenson all of Red Deer, Brent Savidant of Michigan, U.S.A., Gale Savidant of P.E.I, Paul Reyda, Michael Reyda and Penny Reyda of Red Deer as well as Susan Reyda and Virginia Reyda of Vancouver. Funeral Services for the late Mrs. Irene Barker will be held at Gaetz Memorial United Church, 4758 Ross Street, Red Deer on Monday, December 20, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. with the Reverend Fran Hare officiating. Internment will follow at the Red Deer Cemetery. If friends so desire, a donation in the name of the late Mrs. Irene Barker may be made to the Red Deer and District Museum, 4525 - 47A Avenue, Red Deer, T4N 6Z6. Sympathies can be forwarded to the family at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. In living memory of Mrs. Irene Barker, a tree will be planted in the Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium Memorial Tree Park.