Barbara Joy TOMS

Barbara Joy Bloski March 26th, 1943 October 23rd, 2009 The life of Barbara Joy Bloski ended suddenly at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, October 23rd, 2009, in the presence of her family at Royal University Hospital. Left behind to cherish her memory is her husband Joe of 48 years; son, Derek (Candis) and their children Courtney, Adam and Reagan; son, Kevin (Karan) and their children Krista, Kathryn and Kimberly; daughter, Rhonda and her son Dallas; brother, Brian (Corinne) Toms of Sault Ste. Marie, ON.; sister, Elaine (Jim) Pigden of Winnipeg, MB; brother, Glen (Judy) Toms of Edmonton, AB.; brothers-in-law, Bill (Helen) Bloski, Wally (RoseMarie) Bloski, John (Sandy) Bloski, Metro (Gloria) Bloski; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Barb was predeceased by her parents Kay and Bert Toms and her in-laws Anne and Tom Bloski. Barb was born in Saskatoon and attended Thornton Elementary School and Aden Bowman Collegiate. Following her school years she enrolled in the Marvel School of Hair Dressing and Cosmetology and became an accomplished hairstylist. Her character became a trade-mark of her vocation as she took great pride in her personal appearance which was always meticulous whether at home, in the community or in the work-place. In 1960 she met the man with whom she was to share 48 years of her life, Joe Bloski! They were married on October 7th, 1961 which marked the beginning of an extremely busy life style for both of them as they began their lives together building a home, raising a family and living in the city they both dearly loved. Barb left the work-place with the arrival of their first child Derek, in May l963 and became a stay-at-home mom with Kevin and Rhonda arriving on the scene in later years. She returned to work starting in a new career in sales for the Pinders Drugstores (subsequently Shoppers Drugmart) where she spent 26 years. She was forced into retirement in the year 2000 after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. During the years prior to her retirement, Barb enjoyed her involvement in community activities and events and together with Joe they established many friendships which became an integral part of their social life. Her talents were many and her initiative to do whatever needed doing got her into many different adventures, from coaching Ringette to conducting baby-sitting clinics. A fact not known by many, was that Barb was also a talented artist and her needle-point work adorns the walls of the rec room in their home. Despite her affliction with MS, Barb remained very active in her personal life and spent many hours aqua-sizing at the Lakewood Centre where she met many new friends and re-kindled relationships with several of her elementary school day acquaintances. Despite her physical limitations, she participated annually in the Xmas Cake fund raising project for the Canadian MS Society and was a co-host along with Joe for the annual Cameco MS Neurosciences Research Centre golf tournament. Barb had a way of collecting IOU's even from people who didn't know her and her talents will be missed by many! In May of 2009 she was diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer and underwent major surgery. As if her MS was a not a big enough challenge, Barb now had a new enemy to battle. And battle she did; but in spite of her gallant effort to overcome her ailments, she succumbed to cancer complications and now rests in peace! Her battle was not fought alone and the family wishes to express a heartfelt Thank You to all the medical staff at RUH who treated her with the utmost dignity and respect during her stay as a patient. All the doctors and nurses on Ward 5100 and 6100 who attended to her... we thank you!!! Also thank you to MD Ambulance & City Hospital for their care and attention to Barb. Despite the fact that the community was an integral part of her life, Barb's wish was to have a PRIVATE FAMILY SERVICE. Interment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. We, as her family greatly appreciate all the words of kindness and expressions of sympathy received and thank everyone for that. Our focus is to honor Barb's wishes and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cameco MS Neurosciences Research Centre (701 Queen Street, Saskatoon, S7K 0M7) or the Saskatoon Cancer Centre (20 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, S7N 4H4). Arrangements in care of Sue Panattoni MOURNING GLORY FUNERAL SERVICES (978-5200). Published in the Saskatoon StarPhoenix from 10/24/2009- 10/26/2009