KUSS, Barbara Ann (née Smythe Worley)

November 5, 1953 — June 13, 2023

Barbara Ann Kuss took her most blessed and deserved place in heaven on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. Her name, Barbara, represents strength and courage, and it could not be more fitting. After a long and brave battle with kidney disease, which included a transplant in 2021, her body was tired, and God knew it was time for her to rest.

Barbara passed peacefully with her husband and best friend, Stan, by her side and holding her hand, just as they had done throughout their life together. She was many things to many people including a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. If she was in your life, you were one of the lucky ones. She was loyal and loving, delicate but strong, and words cannot describe how she will be missed.

Barbara was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, on November 5, 1953, to Nellie and John Smythe. Her parents were hardworking and instilled strong family values into all eight of their children and these values defined Barbara’s heart and her relationships.

Barbara’s greatest joy was being a mother and a grandmother. She and her first husband, Brian, had two boys, Daniel (Lyndsey) and Brandon (Tiffany), and then were blessed with their daughter, Sarah. After marrying Stan in 2002, Barbara inherited her bonus children; daughter Trish (Silas), and sons Adam (Kristi), and Shawn. All of her children were lucky to have her as a mother, she loved (and worried) about them more than they could ever have known.

She was proud of her kids and supported them in all their endeavours. Whether it was cheering loudly from hockey rink stands, fundraising for sports teams, exercising patience with makeshift automotive shops set up in the living room at home, or travelling to watch many motocross races, she did it all with purpose and grace.

Barbara’s face would light up at the site of her grandchildren, and she was blessed with many. Cruz, Chase, Bella, Bentley, Jordan, Ciaran, Rylan, Hudson, Dallon, Kaden, Beckham, Owyn, Smith, Molly, Conor, Georgia, and Darby will all miss their grandma dearly. She was always thinking of her grandkids, loved to spoil them, and gave the very best hugs. Barbara was a phenomenal cook. She was a natural baba whose perogies and cabbage rolls were legendary.

Barbara and Stan created a life together in Regina, Saskatchewan, a place that was always near and dear to them. They had fond memories of spending time at the 13th Avenue Coffee House, dancing the night away at the Longbranch Saloon, having dinner at their favourite restaurant Memories, attending concerts with local artists like Jack Semple, and cheering on their beloved Riders and Regina Pats. They enjoyed spending weekends at their RV getaway in Katepwa or with the many close friends they had made through CUETS and Credit Union Central.

In 2007, Barbara and Stan fulfilled their dream of moving to Kelowna, BC. This was their happy place, near the mountains and on the water.

When she enjoyed something, Barbara had a childlike zest and excitement and her voice would raise several octaves, it was an endearing sound. Barbara loved a good joke, and her laugh was infectious. She also had a green thumb that would make others “green” with envy, and she was happiest tending to her beautiful flowers. Barbara loved music and even pushed Stan slightly out of his comfort zone when she took him to see Jay Z and Lady Gaga (he jokes that his hearing hasn’t been the same since).

Barbara had a soft heart and loved all animals, especially her fur babies, Rocket, Beaches, and Coco. She spent hours making her own dog food for them and there are very few photos without Beaches or Coco in her lap. She loved birds, especially hummingbirds, and quail, and could sit for hours on the patio at their home in Kelowna, enjoying them. Her giggle watching the mama quails with their babies will forever be in our memory.

Together, Barbara and Stan had a love, and life, full of adventures, fit for movie screens. Hand in hand, they travelled the world. Some of their favourite trips included visiting many spots in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. Their fondest memories include visiting New York, Prague, Spain, Bali, Israel, Scotland, and Japan; and even taking in two World Cups and the British Open. But their favourite times included boating on Lake Okanagan and burying their toes in the sand on the beach. And when the Canadian winters rolled in, they were able to escape to their snowbird home in southern California.

Although she appeared delicate and soft, she was also a true Scorpio and was not afraid to voice her opinion. Barbara believed, said, and did things with conviction, and she was admired for it. She and Stan enjoyed many spirited conversations during walks they loved to take together.

Barbara is predeceased by her first husband, Brian; sister, Allison; brother-in-law, Stan; and brothers, Stanley, Floyd, and Burt. Her siblings, Mable (Gord); Beth (Bob); and brother, Conrad (Mamie); will carry her memory in their hearts. Her place in heaven is well-deserved but the weight of her absence in our family is profound. She showed us what it means to be loyal and that you can be soft and strong at the same time. Barbara touched our hearts in a way that will live on in kitchen table talks and quiet evening walks. And her memory will visit us in our best dreams. Until we meet again.

A celebration of life is being planned for the end of summer.

Barbara’s family expresses their deep appreciation for the care and support provided by Dr. Marie Michaud and the many caregivers of Kelowna General Hospital and the Kelowna Renal Clinic.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kidney Foundation,  Kelowna General Hospital Foundation,  or a charity of your choice would be most appreciated.

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