Obituary of Anna Barbara Warrilow

Anna Barbara (Prietz) Warrilow, known as Barbara, passed away March 31, 2020 in Mannville, Alberta at the age of 88 years. She was born at the Warrilow residence, in the Braes District, Mannville, Alberta on October 3, 1931. Soon after Barbara's birth her family moved to Santa Cruz do Sol, Brazil where they lived until 1937; when family circumstances required them to relocate back to Germany. Most of Barbara's childhood and young adult years were spent in Germany during the Second World War. After the war, the Prietz family's desire to return to Canada was strong and since Barbara was born in Canada, she was their best hope of returning. In 1949, Barbara entered a work program and was placed with an English family, the Caley's. During her time in England, Barbara learned to speak English and earned enough money to get herself to Canada. As fate would have it, the Caley's had relatives in Alberta and it was through these relatives that Barbara contacted the Warrilow family. Barbara returned to Canada in 1953 and for two years worked for the Harold Warrilow family. On June 3, 1955 Barbara married William (Bill) Warrilow and together they raised four children and grew a thriving family farm, northwest of Minburn, Alberta. On a family farm you learn to do everything and there is no "I can't!" Barbara would learn how to operate farm equipment, groom and show cattle, raise chickens and grow a big vegetable garden. The most important thing in Barbara's life was her family. She was dedicated to her parents, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved being surrounded by family. Barbara instilled in us many good qualities; one of them being a great work ethic and that no challenge was too great to be conquered, if you want it enough. Barbara loved to garden! Her garden was huge and would produce enough vegetables for our family for the entire winter and then some. She even won prizes for her vegetables at the local fair. Barbara also loved her flower gardens and they were always beautiful, bright and colorful. Look out if you were a weed in any of Barbara's gardens! Barbara treasured her community and her country, Canada. She often said "I have been in many countries and Canada is the best country in the world!" Barbara knew the importance of community and was a long-time member and President of the Bowling Green Ladies (part of Women's Institute). Barbara was also active in the Minburn United Church and a long-time member of the United Church Women. She was a key part of organizing and convening many community events and Fall Suppers. She will be lovingly remembered by her children Marian (John) Girvan of Camrose, Valerie (Alan) Mytz of Mannville, Sylvia (Doug) French of Camrose, and Danny (Conna) Warrilow of Minburn; ten grandchildren Iain Girvan (Michelle), Jonathan Girvan, Alicia (Kris) Poliakiwski, Travis (Casey) Mytz, Kaitlyn (Jordan) Hoffman, Vanessa (Yuthasas) Malapan, Whitney (Dustin) Danilkewich, Devin Warrilow,  Luke (Julie) Warrilow, and April Warrilow; fifteen great grandchildren Max, Beau - Lennon Poliakiwski, Leighton, Jett - Ellie Mytz, Emerick, Rory - Reese Hoffman, Jullianna Corbin, Averie - Billie Danilkewich, Linken Warrilow, and Westin - Abbi Warrilow; sisters Edith Styner and Anita Hitchcock; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her husband William Warrilow; parents Max and Alice Prietz; and sister Violet Schmalstieg. A Celebration of Life will be held on a later date. Memorial Donations may be made to Alzheimer Society, McQueen United Church, or the charity of one's choice. Many knew that one of Barbara's favourite saying was "See you later alligator" to which she would expect the response "in a while crocodile". Love you forever; "See you later alligator".