It is with heartfelt sorrow that the family announces the passing of Barbara Hoy on November 17, 2016 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Barb was predeceased by her beloved husband Howard Hoy, father and mother Adolph and Helen Svistovski, in-laws Vernon and Elsa Hoy, Olive (Pat) Hoy and Les Wells, brother-in-law Robert Rae, and daughter-in-law Debbie Hoy. Barb will be deeply missed by her children and grandchildren, Michael and Sandra Hollender and children Serafina and Alexander; Ryan Hollender and Samantha Morris; Jay and Brenna Burton and sons Cason and Cohen; Howie Hoy and sons T.J. and Kyle; Chris and Patricia Hoy and son Corbin. She will be missed by her sister Pamela Rae and nephew Lochlin Rae, brothers Mike Svistovski (Colleen), Rick Svistovski (Kathryn), Frank Svistovski, and brother and sister-in-law Garth and Shelley Hoy. Barb will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Barb was born Barbara Frances Svistovski on March 23, 1953. She spoke very fondly about growing up on the family farm in Hayfield and the adventures she shared with her siblings. Barb spent her early school years in Rounthwaite, attended Grade 2 at Hebron School, Grades 3-8 at Carroll School, and spent her high school years in Souris, graduating in 1971. In 1975, she completed her teaching certificate from the University of Manitoba. She resided in Roblin thereafter with her first love, husband Marvin Hollender and began her teaching career in Grade 4 at Roblin Intermediate School. Barb and Marvin’s first child, Michael, was born in 1977 and soon after the family moved to Brandon. Twins Ryan and Brenna completed the family in 1981. Barb remained home to raise her young family and went on to attend Brandon University and completed her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees, as well as her Special Education Certificate. These were busy years. The kids were growing and Barb was growing professionally. Raising happy children and pursuing university degrees are each challenging, albeit rewarding goals. That Barb excelled at both while making it look so easy is a testament to her love, energy, and passion for life. In 1996, Barb married her best friend and true love, Howard Hoy. They were bonded by not only their love of teaching but of gardening as well. They created a beautiful life together. Barb happily welcomed Howard’s two grown children Howie and Chris into her family. Being a mother was Barb’s true passion. She was a dedicated, loving, warm, caring, compassionate, funny, and selfless mother who always put her children first. She enjoyed countless hours attending sporting events, editing essays, working on science fair projects, and attending band concerts. She took great pleasure in doing all she could to support her children as they grew and as they became adults and pursued many goals. She was an incredible mother. Barb was a grandmother like no other. She had a truly unique connection with all of her 5 grandchildren and each shone under the love and individual attention she gave them. There were countless hours spent smiling, laughing, and making special memories. She lived for the times she spent with the grandkids, always planning surprises and hands-on activities that will forever be etched in their hearts. Designing a kids’ playroom alongside Howard, creating a magical fairy garden, elaborate arts and crafts, writing and ‘publishing’ stories, planting flowers in the garden, pool and beach adventures, picking strawberries, and of course reading many a book! There were also quite a few trips to the toy store throughout the years. Her grandchildren truly were the light of her life and she in theirs. In her happy 26 year teaching career in Brandon School Division, Barb considered herself fortunate to have taught at New Era School, Fleming School, J.R. Reid School, and George Fitton School, retiring in 2012. She loved every moment she spent with students in the classroom. She relished in stories of the good old days, the fun she had teaching, connecting to students, and truly loving each and every child that entered her classroom, treating them as if they were her own. Barb was a one of kind teacher. Her philosophies and teaching style were considered by many to be ahead of their time. She was known for creating a warm, welcoming, nurturing classroom environment which included breathtaking bulletin board displays. She believed that decorating a classroom with student work instilled great pride and inspired her students. Barb greatly enjoyed baking and cooking, Elvis, gardening, and Blue Jays baseball. Family, friends, and coworkers can attest to her prowess in the kitchen. She prided herself on feeding her family well and loved pouring over cook books and seeing the pleasure on the faces of others as they enjoyed her home made treats. Barb was Elvis’ biggest fan, incorporating him in everyday life and in classroom activities during her teaching career. Howard made Barb’s dream come true when he took her to Memphis and Graceland. Next to Graceland, her trips to Toronto’s Roger’s Center with Howard and her boys to see the Blue Jays were amongst her favourite travel memories. Howard introduced Barb to Blue Jays baseball and she was hooked the minute she saw Jose Bautista hit a home run. She quickly became an expert on all things Blue Jays and knew all of the background information and statistics. Watching the game soon became another excuse to gather the family and of course, enjoying a fantastic meal. Barb and Howard also spent many happy hours gardening. Together they created an impressive garden in their backyard complete with a pond, fountain, and even a majestic fairy garden for their grandchildren. Barb was a special person to everyone in her life. Her amazing energy and passion made her light up each room she entered. Her smile, infectious laugh and effortless capacity to see what each person needed was what made her the extraordinary spirit and light in all our lives. We, her children and grandchildren were blessed to have had Barb in our lives, even if for such a short time. She will be deeply missed, and memories of her will be forever remembered and cherished. The service to celebrate Barb’s life was held on Thursday, November 24, 2016 at Memories Chapel. Arlene Robertson officiated and interment occurred at the Brandon Cemetery. Donations in memory of Barb may be made to the Friends of Education Fund, c/o Brandon School Division, 1031-6th Street, Brandon, MB.

If we had a single flower for each thought of you,
We could walk in the garden forever.