BARBARA FINSTAD

BARBARA FINSTAD February 6, 1938 ~ December 10, 2023
We, the family of Barbara Marie Finstad (nee Syverson) announce the passing of a remarkable wife, mother and grandmother on Sunday, December 10, 2023, in Medicine Hat. Barbara was a kind and happy person. She touched people with her generous giving ways along with her quick wit and sense of humour. She truly made the world a better place!
Barbara was born in Medicine Hat to Chester and Sylvia Syverson. The family moved to Rossland, B.C. where she grew up along with her older brother, Wayne (Linda) Syverson. She attended the University of Calgary to pursue a teaching degree. Barb’s teaching career took her to Calgary, Edmonton and Medicine Hat. She decided to try teaching in the rural communities of Etzikom and Burdett and this is where she met and married Norman Finstad. She dedicated the rest of her life to the family ranch, raising her children and being involved within the community. Barbara enjoyed the “little things” in life; a hot, black cup of coffee, crosswords from the newspaper, a good game of crib, a walk down the road to look at the Sweet Grass Hills and caring for her dog and cats. Barbara was very proud of her Norwegian heritage and sadly this year, we will miss her lefsa and krumkakers at Christmas. She took a keen interest in each of her grandsons lives; always asking how school was going and what activities they had been up to.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 56 years, Norman; daughter, Lisa (Nevin) Heidinger and son, Steven (Michele) Finstad as well as her four cherished grandsons, Thane (Sydni) and Ethan Heidinger and Aden and Owen Finstad. Her family was always the most important part of her life. As a family, our hearts are broken but she left us with wonderful memories that we will hold onto dearly. She wil be missed and never forgotten. 2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
A private celebration of her life will take place in the summer of 2024. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 www.cooksouthland.com “Locally owned & directed”