Passed away peacefully on May 19, 2012 with family by her side. Barbara was born on April 12, 1924 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to James and May McDonald; their youngest child and their only daughter. She grew up in Watson, Saskatchewan and graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Winnipeg General Hospital in 1946. Barb excelled in her career in nursing, practicing in Canada and in California until she married Jack Harrigan in 1949. She settled in Trail BC where Barb and Jack raised their large family. Despite a hectic schedule, Barb’s giving nature was exemplified in her volunteer roles at Hospice, CWL and St. Michael's School. Any further spare time was spent playing tennis, golf, bridge and writing. Barb's talent in creative writing led to her producing several children's books and poetry that she shared with her family. Barb moved to Vernon sixteen years ago where she met wonderful new friends. All the while, she continued to keep in touch with her treasured childhood friends, nursing buddies and friends from Trail. Barb's family was her prime interest and source of joy. Her keen sense of humour (which she needed with seven children) as well as her patience, kindness and spirit of gratitude will continue to inspire all of us.
Barb was predeceased by her brothers Don and Jim. She is survived by her seven children Nancy (Pierre), Denis (Josie), Meg (Ron), Art (Kath), David, Brian (Brenda), Richard (Kath). She is also survived by 16 grandchildren: Lisa, Genevieve, Lindy,Trisha, Dan, Nathaniel, Dave, Ted, Pat, Galvin, Jake, Sean, Luke, Connor, Caitlin, Jane and five great grandchildren: Jaiden, Tristan, Ruby, Esme and newly arrived Jaxen.
Barb's family is extremely grateful to the staff of the Vernon Hospice for the care and warm attention that surrounded Barb and her family in her final weeks.
Barb's friends and acquaintances are welcome to join the family in a
Memorial Service to be held at Bethel Funeral Chapel on Saturday, June 30th, 2012 at 1:00 P.M. Interment of Barbara’s cremated remains will follow in the Bethel Rose Garden Of Remembrance. A Reception will then be held in the Tea Room.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Doctors Without Borders or to the North Okanagan Hospice Society 3506 27th Avenue, Vernon, B.C. V1T 1S4. Messages of condolence for Barb’s family can be sent to bethelchapel@uniserve.com
Funeral arrangements have been made with
BETHEL FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD.,
5605 27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5
(250) 542-1187