Barbara Kehrstephan

Barbara Sofie Elisabeth Kehrstephan

With family by her side, Barbara Kehrstephan passed away on Sunday, October 10, 2010 in the Portage District General Hospital in her 57th year.

She will be lovingly remembered by her brothers Manfred Schmeiss and Joachim Schmeiss, nephew Eric Schmeiss (Kathy Best) and niece Kristine Schmeiss (Ted Siountres).

Born in 1953 and educated in Ontario, Barbara entered into teaching at a time when people were competing for interviews let alone teaching positions. Barbara was one of the lucky few and was offered a job teaching English in the high school from which she had graduated. Concerned this was going to be too boring; she accepted a position in Thompson, Manitoba. She had never even heard of Thompson. She promised her horrified family that she would be gone for just 1 year... and thus started a lifetime of teaching in Manitoba.

Barbara stayed in Thompson for three years and then wanted the opportunity to counsel as well as teach and so moved to Dauphin, Manitoba where she taught English half time and counselled half time. This eventually turned into full time counselling and Barbara became Department Head of Student Services and Special Education. She stayed in Dauphin ten years counselling and teaching all levels of English and introducing Psychology which became a favourite course of hers to teach.

In 1991 Barbara headed to Portage La Prairie, Manitoba where she taught English and Psychology. She was a teacher, counsellor and Vice Principal for both Arthur Meighn and Portage Collegiate Institute - which she enjoyed immensely.

Barbara's positive influence on countless lives will be felt for years and years to come. She will never be forgotten and will be missed by many.

A time for visitation will be held on Thursday evening, October 14, 2010 at McKenizes Portage Funeral Chapel from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 15, 2010 at 4:00 pm in the William Glesby Center, Portage la Prairie, MB led by Wilma Shirriff.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Barbara's memory to Portage Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Box 1426, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3N9 or to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba a�" Portage Office, 103 Wilkinson Crescent, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1A7.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel 857-4021 A message can be left in the on-line guest book at www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com