Barbara Comte

Tragically, on Monday, October 30, 2006, Barbara Comte, of Notre Dame de Lourdes, passed away at the age of 50 years. She leaves behind to mourn her passing and cherish her memory, her loving husband of 20 years, Aubert, and their four children: Paul, Ariane, Julie, and Lise.

Also left to mourn her passing is her father Maurice Lee Perkins and her two brothers, Glenn (Jody) and Robert (Lisa) of Winnipeg. She is dearly missed by her mother-in-law; Cecile (nee Lesage), five brothers-in-law; Jean (Simone), Andre (Gisele), Alain (Lorraine), Fernand (Nicole), Leo (Audrey) from Notre Dame de Lourdes; five sisters-in-law; Marie (John), Celine, Clemence (Wayne), Alice (Aime) from Winnipeg and Suzanne (Geoff) from Vancouver; twenty-eight nieces and nephews and five great nieces and nephews. Barbara was predeceased by her mother Elizabeth (nee Ellis) in 1992 and her father-in-law Paul Comte in 1990.

Barbara was born on March 19, 1956, in Lachine, Quebec. As a young child, she moved to Winnipeg with her family. After high school, she remained in Winnipeg to obtain her Bachelor of Science from the University of Manitoba. Excelling in university, she continued on to achieve her medical degree as a General Practitioner. After working in Ottawa, Barbara settled in the town of Notre Dame de Lourdes as a family physician in 1985. She easily assimilated into country life in this French village and it became her permanent home. This is where she met her future husband, Aubert. They married in 1986 and soon after started their family. Early on, Barbara recognized she wanted to devote her life to helping all children. While juggling the demands of her career and family, and never being one to slow down, she went on to study for her fellowship in Child Psychiatry (FRCPC). She practiced child psychiatry in towns and cities throughout South Central Manitoba and ironically was on her way to work on that tragic Monday when she was taken away from us.

Interspersed with her years of education and career, Barbara took time out to travel extensively to many countries including Pakistan, France, India, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, and Japan. She instilled her love for travel in her children by taking each child, in turn, all across North America on her business trips and family holidays. Most recently, her summer road trip to Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, the Dakotas, and Montana will be one to treasure.

Mom had too many accolades to include them all here but notably she was a key active member of the community. She saw the need and it was her vision to create a Children's Center (Centre d'Enfants 1 2 3) in Notre Dame. She was instrumental in leading this unique project and in building the local preschool and daycare for children.

Mom's hobbies included; designing jewelry, upholstering furniture, cross country skiing, crocheting, reading, watching movies, and camping with her kids. In her "down time" last summer, she cycled (170 kms) across the Interlake region with her kids to raise money for MS.

Mom was the heartbeat of the family and will be greatly missed by her family and community.

Funeral Services will be held in the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church on Friday, November 3, 2006 at 2 p.m. with Father Gabriel Levesque officiating.  Interment to follow in the Parish Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, if friend's so desire, donations may be made in Barbara's memory to the Notre Dame Wellness Centre, 51 Rodgers Street, Notre Dame de Lourdes, MB,  R0G 1M0.

Adam's Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements.  Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326.