Obituary of Barbara Gene BIRD

May 25, 1932 – North Battleford, Saskatchewan March 5, 2015 – Calgary, Alberta With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Barbara on March 5, 2015 with her husband and daughters by her side. Barbara was born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan and raised on a farm. She rode her horse to school and had a very happy childhood. When Barbara became a young woman, she left the farm to attend nursing school at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton. Being a caring and loving individual, nursing was a perfect career choice for Barbara. Nursing school enabled Barbara to become part of a nursing “sisterhood” where she formed many long cherished friendships. During a dance at the University of Alberta, Barbara met and later married her devoted husband of 60 years, Duncan. Barbara left nursing to raise her family and years later she completed a nursing refresher program. Barbara was a truly lovely and gracious woman. She created a wonderful home life for her husband and three daughters. She supported everyone in all their dreams and endeavours. Barbara was a wonderful mother who led by example! She had a great sense of style, always spoke well of others and saw the good in everyone. She was a great listener and only offered non-judgemental advice which was most comforting and appreciated. Treasured highlights with family and friends include summers spent camping at Christina Lake and many years skiing at Whitefish, Montana. Barbara and Duncan have a wide circle of friends who enjoyed the love of travel, outdoor activities and adventure. Barbara was an engaged and active woman who was a Girl Guide leader, craft lover, skier, chef, baker, skater, hostess, charity worker, and gardener. She enjoyed her time on the links in Arizona, Whitefish and at the Glencoe Golf Course. Barbara was an avid golfer and later became a small business owner of golf hats. Most importantly, Barbara’s greatest joy was her family. She absolutely cherished her five grandchildren and spent time with each child and made them feel special. Barbara is survived by her husband Duncan and daughters Karen (John), Dianne (Richard), and Janis (Gordon). Barbara was greatly adored by her five grandchildren J.J., Callie, Taylor, Madison, and Claire. Memorial Service will be held at Lakeview United Church (3023 – 63rd Avenue S.W.) on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Barbara’s name to Bow View Manor, Crowfoot Unit – Recreational Fund. (c/o The Bow View Manor, 4628 Montgomery Blvd. NW, Calgary, AB T3B 0K7) A special thank you to Daisy Oriel, who provided friendship, love and care to our mother in her time of need. The family will be eternally grateful to the wonderful team on the Crowfoot Unit at the Bow View Manor. Their professional care and loving spirits highly contributed to our mother’s quality of life. To all the family friends and neighbours, thank you for your constant support. In living memory of Barbara Bird, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.