Barbara Mary Prusky

Barbara Prusky Obituary 2025

Barbara Mary Marshall Prusky, aged 91, passed away with family at her side, on March 18, 2025. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Barb touched the lives of many with her warmth, resilience and unwavering love for those around her.

She is survived by daughter Sharon (Darry), Tory and Ross; son Glen (Shauna), Isaac, Blue and Mo; son Doug, (Toni-Rae), Kyle, Taylor and Jared; great grandson Rory Baldwin; siblings Gerry (Ellen) Marshall and Carol Kromm, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Barb was predeceased by her husband Marvin (2015) of 62 years and her parents.

Born on January 27, 1934 in Calgary, Alberta, to parents John (Archie) Marshall and Mabel (Johnson), Barb spent her early school years in Stavely before moving to Calgary, where she graduated from Western Canada High School. It was there that she met Marvin, whom she married on May 16, 1953. Together they embarked on a decades long journey that began in suburban Calgary where they started their family and a transition to rural Alberta living where Barb embraced the challenges of farming and ranching with a pioneer spirit. Barb’s rural life spanned from the Johnson family farm east of Stavely, to Rolling Hills, to Freland and Florence Wilford’s (mom’s aunt) farm one mile east of Stavely to raise purebred Hereford Cattle and to Neil and Elizabeth Ohler’s place east of Stavely. In 1974, Barb and Marv purchased a farm east of Claresholm, that was home until 2014, when they moved to town.

During her farming years, Barb was resourceful and proud of the lifestyle she created for her family. She managed the house and farm chores with limited resources, while raising three kids and contributing to the family business with her sharp mind and organizational skills. She was proud of her beautiful yard and flowers despite the realities of living on the prairies. In addition to farming, Barb worked at the Claresholm Feed Mill from 1975 until her retirement in 1999. Known as the “heart of the organization”, she excelled in office administration while forming lasting relationships with staff and customers alike.

Barb’s warmth and kindness extended far beyond her immediate family. Many consider Barb an adopted mother and grandmother due to her genuine interest in their lives and accomplishments. Her home was always a welcoming place filled with laughter, stories and delicious meals. Animals held a special place in her heart. From loyal border collies and Tinker, to Siamese and other cats, horses, cattle, Phineas the donkey, Monty the llama and Chirp the backyard rescued red poll bird, she cared for them all with affection.

Barb’s legacy of love, perseverance and community will continue to inspire all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Zentner Funeral Home, 4079 1st Street West, in Claresholm, Alberta in Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 1 pm.

Memorial donations can be made to the Canadian Kidney Foundation or a charity of your choice in Barb’s name.

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