Barbara (Barb) Franke

Barbara (Barb) Franke was born in Calgary, AB on December 13th, 1961, and passed away on May 25th, 2026, in Okotoks, AB.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents Ken and Angela Franke and is survived by her beloved husband David and cherished daughter Taylor (Gerardo). 

Barbara grew up in Calgary where she met the love of her life, David. Barbara and David spent 50 incredible years together after meeting in junior high school. Barbara and David’s love story is one to be admired as they continued to choose one another, grow together, and face all of life’s challenges side by side. 

Barbara was a devoted and loving mother to her daughter Taylor who meant the world to her. Barbara spent 27 years of her life pouring into her daughter and ensuring she was cared for and had a full and exciting life. 

Barbara had a deep love for her family and will be dearly missed by her siblings and siblings-in-law: Robert (Joyce), Marilyn (Ken) and Debbie (Marc) as well as parents-in-law Josephine and Bob (Joan) and numerous nephews and other extended family members.

In 2021 Barb met her granddog Whiskey who quickly became “grandma’s favourite boy.” Barb cared for and loved Whiskey as every dog should be, taking him for walks, buying him toys, and giving him all the treats he deserved. Whiskey showed a fond affection for Barbara, often following her around the house and running upstairs to find her when he came to visit.

Barbara worked in accounting in Calgary for most of her life where she met many treasured friends and colleagues until she retired in early 2025. Barbara had a very active social life maintaining various groups of friends which she met with regularly through all the seasons of her life. Barbara bonded with many of her closest friends through motherhood, work, and a love of travelling.

Kindness and compassion were always Barb’s greatest qualities. She was warm and welcoming to everyone she met and always cared for those around her. She was an incredibly gracious host, friend, neighbour, wife and mother. Barbara was always thinking about the people in her life, often surprising them with the perfect gift, an enjoyable get-together or thoughtful messages.

Barbara was a true homemaker, that any place she was felt like home. She had a calm and loving presence which made all those around her feel at ease. She also possessed a fun, loving, humorous spirit. She could light up a room with her silly, light-hearted energy. Barbara pushed herself to face fears, try new things and experience life and everything it had to offer.

Barbara explored the world as she embarked on numerous trips to Europe, Central America and North America. She shared her love for adventure with family and friends, creating wonderful memories everywhere they went. She enjoyed walks in the forest, camping, kayaking and road tripping. Barbara spent the last few years of her life at her acreage in the foothills connecting with nature, walking along the lake, caring for her plants, and decorating her home.

Barbara will be remembered forever for her selflessness, her love for her family and friends, and her fun-loving spirit. 

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Information to follow.

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