Barb was born on July 19, 1960 in Melfort, Sask.  She attended Burke School, Division III School and graduated from the Melfort and Unit Comprehensive Collegiate in 1978. 

She attended Kelsey Institute, (Siast) in Saskatoon where she was enrolled in the Food Service Technology course, which she attended until her illness forced her to abandon her studies.

Barb was diagnosed with Bright's Disease (a kidney disease) in January 1969 when she was eight years old.  This disease caused her body to retain large amounts of fluid that would cause great fluctuations in weight over very short periods of time.  As Barb's kidneys deteriorated she spent many hours in hospital having dialysis treatments.  During her hospital stays Barb made many friends and was a favourite of many of the hospital staff.

Barb passed away on June 18, 1980, one month and one day before her 20th birthday.