Obituary of Barbara Ann BANNON

August 1, 1951 – Calgary, Alberta
April 29, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

The family of Barbara Ann Bannon is heartbroken to announce her passing after a two-and-a-half-year fight against cancer. She maintained her positivity and grateful heart throughout her ordeal, being thankful for the compassionate, respectful care that she received from all members of her health care team.

Barbara lived a joy-filled life, accomplishing much and creating lasting memories and friendships along the way. An animal lover throughout her life, Barbara had many special dog companions, most recently Annabelle and Tulah, who were well-loved. As a child, Barbara was a highland dancer in honour of her father’s Scottish heritage. Through her dance school, she was chosen to present flowers to Queen Elizabeth on one of her trips to Calgary. Demonstrating her composure and confidence, she performed a lovely curtsy while politely greeting Her Majesty. In her senior year of high school at Crescent Heights, she was chosen by her school mates as Queen because of her outgoing, positive personality and contributions to school life. Being a member of SEARS’ Fashion Council, she developed her sense of style early in life and was always happy to help when asked to advise friends and family about purchases. She was always right!  During university at the U of C, Barbara enjoyed her summers working at Heritage Park. Before her illness, she was hoping to get involved at the park once again in a volunteer capacity.

Barbara completed her Bachelor of Education at the U of C and a few years later went onto graduate studies at UBC, earning a Master’s Degree in Education. She worked in many capacities with the Calgary Board of Education, as a classroom teacher, Language Arts Consultant, Acting Director, and Principal of three schools. She held high standards for herself and encouraged the same from others, definitely being one who ‘walked the talk’. She inspired others with her eloquence, clear vision, dedication, and passion for education. Barbara was a strong advocate for children and created school environments that exemplified her vision of public education. In 2009, she received The Woman of Vision in Education award with her nomination initiated by people who recognized her outstanding contributions to children’s learning. Later, she received recognition from Peaceful Schools International for her ongoing support of implementing peaceful solutions within her school. She lived a life of honesty and integrity maintaining her sense of humour and dignity to the end. As several people noted, she was beautiful inside and out.

Barbara will forever be remembered with love by her sister and brother-in-law, Brenda and Gordon Fellows; cherished nieces, Courtney Fellows and Chelsey Fellows (Rory Stewart); and adored great-nephews, Logan, Chance, and Nicolas.  Others to mourn her passing include Aunt Patricia Cook, very special cousin Cynthia Smith, numerous cousins, as well as friends, and colleagues. Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Dorothy (2017) and Vince (1999) Bannon. She is at peace resting in her eternal home. Following Barbara’s wishes, no funeral will be held.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge Society, 7877 Squilax Road, Chase BC V0E 1M1 (a favourite charity of Barbara’s, as the donkeys’ stories and rescues touched her deeply) or to the Rosedale Hospice, 920 7A Street NW, Calgary AB T2M 3J3.

Her family wishes to acknowledge and thank Drs. Tsiang, Faruqi, Cameron, and Chadri, and her caregivers on Unit 46 Special Services Building at Foothills Medical Centre. Rosedale Hospice provided gentle care and comfort for Barbara during her final weeks of life.

A bright light has gone out much too soon.

In living memory of Barbara Bannon, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB, T2E 2V6,   Telephone: 403-243-8200.