Obituary of Barbara Lynn Jorgensen

Barbara Lynn Jorgensen August 18, 1957 – September 8, 2022 Following a long and difficult illness, Barbara (Barb) Jorgensen passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family at the Whitecourt Health Care Centre at the age of 65. Barb was born and raised in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, where she gained her reputation as a spirited, independent, strong (sometimes referred to as stubborn) and caring person. Barb was fearless as she tried to keep up with the antics of her older brothers and was not known to back down from a dare. She graduated from McNaughton High School on an accelerated education program at the tender age of 16. She worked at Moosomin Co-op for a few years before heading out into the world. She landed in Medicine Hat where she married and her two children Rhiannon and Rory were born and raised. She was a devoted mother who, following the end of her marriage, raised her young children to adulthood, often working multiple jobs to ensure they were both well looked after. She was very creative and worked in the Safeway floral department in Medicine Hat when she was selected to work on the flower arrangements used in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. Her talent was obvious and she was named as one of the top 3 designers for the Olympic floral program – a proud moment for her. She left Medicine Hat to work in the oil & gas industry where she met her partner of the past 14 years, John Schaffer and resided on an acreage just outside of Whitecourt, Alberta. Barb is pre-deceased by her parents Roy and Bernice (nee Hill) Jorgensen and survived by her partner, John Schaffer and his family; her children, Rhiannon & Rory; her step-children Samantha & Kandis; her grandchildren, Autuum, Brandon, Miia, Bella Rae & Faith; and, her siblings Rick, Randy, Rodney, Raymond & Brenda and their respective families. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Whitecourt Health Care Centre and in particular Dr. Larry Kulak and Dr. Ryan Roszko, along with all of the nursing staff who showed such caring and compassion during her illness and last days of her life. It was obvious she was loved by many and will be remembered by all. In lieu of flowers and donations please raise a toast in her honour, because, in her words, “It’s always 5:00 somewhere!” We’ll miss you, Barb.