Barbara Halden

After a brutal battle with cancer, Barbara “Barb” A. Halden (nee Penkala) peacefully succumbed on August 28, 2024, at Chinook Regional Hospital, surrounded by her loving husband Terence “Terry” Halden and immediate family.

Barb was born on October 15, 1950, on the family farm north of Melfort, SK to Wojciech and Emelia Penkala. She was the 12th child in the family (7 boys and 7 girls), all of which attended the local Clapton schoolhouse. This was followed by Barb graduating from Melfort High School, and a business administrating course in Prince Albert College. Working for a bank in Toronto, she met and married the love of her life, Terry on August 19, 1972. The family moved to Lethbridge in 1982, when Terry’s employer moved him. Barb found employment in various Payroll/Accounting position where she made several lifelong friends. She enjoyed her family and friends, playing cards, cooking, entertaining and visiting her numerous relations. 

Barb and Terry are the proud parents of three daughters: Tammi (Claude) Bidegaray, Jolia Halden, and Arissa (Shaun) Pendrak. Seven grandchildren: Darian Halden, Keegan (Kiara) Araki, Kieron (Jewels) Pendrak, Mason Araki, Elijah Pendrak, Arya Pendrak, Brice Bidegaray and one great granddaughter: Oaklynn Pendrak. Along with many “adopted” sons, daughters and grandchildren.

She is survived by her siblings: Ted (Pat) Penkala, Helen Turner, Josephine Nagel, Frank (Alice) Penkala, Agnes (Ed) Dzieciuch, George (Dona) Penkala, John (Gail) Penkala, Mike (Sandy) Penkala, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents: Wojciech and Emma and siblings: Joe (Kathy) Penkala, Mary (John) MacDonald, Margaret Penkala, Lois (John) McElligott, (Howard) Turner, (Erwin) Nagel, Walter Penkala.

A Prayer Vigil will be held at 7:00 pm, on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 ST SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Barbara-Halden 

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am, on Friday September 6, 2024, at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC PARISH, 604 13 ST NORTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Father Kevin Tumback, celebrant. The service will be recorded and can be viewed later at https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Barbara-Halden

Interment to be in St. Helen’s Cemetery Brooksby, SK at a later date.

In lieu of flower the family asks for memorial donations to be made to Jack Ady Cancer center, 960 19 St South, Lethbridge, AB or the Alberta Cancer Foundation at https://albertacancer.ca/donate/