North Sydney, NS
May 28, 1960 - January 17, 2024
It is with broken hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our wife mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter and friend on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at the age of 63. Barb was surrounded by all of her loving family and dear friends - a room filled with people that knew how fortunate they were to have Barb in their lives.
Barb was born in Mill Creek on May 28, 1960 to the late Regina (Gonie) and John “Jack” Harrietha. Barb was a home maker for most of her life. She worked off and on at the Alder Point Fish Plant, taxi stands, and the Petro Canada in Bras D’or, where everyone loved to stop and chat with her. She was always so kind to anyone who crossed her path. Barb could have been whatever she put her mind to. She was forever pulled to her family and friends. She knew after so long that home was where she wanted to be. She wanted to be anything and everything to her family, which turned out to be her biggest comfort in life. She became a touch stone for her family, her friends and anyone who was in need of kindness and acceptance.
Barb enjoyed bingo so much that her daughter Rose was introduced to bingo at the ripe old age of 5 years old. She enjoyed sitting with her close friends just waiting for her numbers to be called. Barb also enjoyed her special subway dates with Kerri - they would get subway and chat for hours. Barb enjoyed being around people she loved. She loved music and singing, playing cards with her friends, and she loved her some darts too. Barb was fortunate enough to have found her friend Darlene, and as life went along, Darlene would become her person, her sister, her partner in crime, her best friend as well as her other close friend Denise. She also became close to her cousins, because unknowingly, she was the favorite cousin. She spent many hours sitting with them at home or on the phone, being the one who would listen without judgement. She would make you feel better and was so good at reminding everyone of their worth. It's hard to tell someone's life story. Barb was just such a bright light. Even during her 14-year battle with cancer her light remained for others to see.
Barb was the heart of her family. Her pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. If they were ok, she was ok. One of her favorite stories was when she coached her boys’ first baseball team and they finished the year in 1st. place. She was so proud - that was Barb. She gave all of herself to her family. How do we say good bye to the one person who held everyone together? They say as long as they say your name, your spirit will remain alive, which means Barb’s spirit will be eternal.
Barb is survived by the love of her life Carl - their love was extraordinary; her children Robert, Rose (Jake), Chris (Tracey), Carl (Charlene), Kerri (Trevor), Chenelle; she is also survived by her beautiful grandchildren, Brian (who was like a son to Barb), Jamie, Matt, Brady, Elizabeth, Avaiah, Noah, Cole, Brady; her great-grandchildren Jack, Abby, Beau, Chloe, Brooklyn, Billy, Morgan, Levi, and Adrian; her only surviving brother, Chris (Tracey); sister-in-law Arlene Harrietha; brother-in-law Greg (Tish), niece Kayla and nephew John Ryan; and many special cousins and lifelong friends.
Besides her parents Jack and Regina, she was also predeceased by her brother Johnny, along with many aunts, uncles, grandparents and loving family members. A great loss in her life was when her nanny Boo Boo (Boutilier) passed away, they shared a home and so many loving moments. She was Barb’s touchstone.
Special gratitude goes out to Joneljim Concrete Construction and all staff for their kindness and support during this difficult time. We would especially like to thank Robert Murchison for going above and beyond for making this time so much easier for us.
So, as Barb would say all the time "it's in God's hands" as she had unwavering faith. Well Nan, it's true. Your strength, your spirit, your beautiful heart, it’s all in God's hands now. We love you.
Special thank you to Dr. Kholsmith, Dr. Bagnall, all the wonderful staff of Palliative Care at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
As Jack would say: “Nanny never had a mean bone in her body.” In fact, all Nanny’s bones were good.
Visitation for Barbara will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Monday, January 22, at the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23, at St. Joseph Church in Bras d’Or with Rev. Fabian Ihunegbo officiating. A reception will follow at the parish hall. Burial in Lakeside Cemetery will take place in spring.
