Obituary of Barbara Jane Guy

February 18, 1929 - Cambridge, USA

July 7, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Barbara Jane Guy of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, July 7, 2023 at the age of 94 years.

Barbara was born of Canadian parents Margaret and Harold Manson in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA on February 18, 1929. The family returned to PEI when she was a young child and she grew up there. Barbara married Earl Frederick Guy from Sidney Mines N.S. in 1949 and accompanied him to Edinburgh, Scotland, where he was studying and where their first child was born in 1951. The young family moved to Calgary, AB in 1955. There they were joined by a daughter and two more sons.

Barbara’s life was characterized by volunteerism and contributions to the community. Her generosities, both in terms of time and financial support, are too numerous to list in detail. They include artistic, educational, medical, social, historical, environmental, and humanitarian causes - locally and internationally. She canvassed door-to-door for many of these causes and as a result knew her neighbours throughout the district very well (although she was not always convinced that they were happy to see her appear on their doorstep). Amongst the activities she found most rewarding were providing volunteer therapy for the brain injured through the ARBI, providing guidance to new patients by sharing her experiences through the Ostomy Society, and supporting international foster children, several at a time for many years.

Barbara loved spending time in her garden with her plants. She also loved animals; dogs and cats were members of her household up to the present (she is survived by feline companions, Percy and Clover). Her love of nature was passed along to her children and grandchildren and many of them have made this a meaningful part of their recreational and professional lives.

Her other passions included reading and crosswords. She enjoyed attending concerts, plays and sporting events, especially if her children or grandchildren were involved. She was famous for her massive family Sunday dinners - featuring the world's best gravy.

Many friends will remember Barbara through her membership in the U. of C. Faculty Women’s Club, the Clarion Toastmistress Club, and the Christian Women’s Club. In Westgate, where she lived for 64 years, she helped build the community association and edited the community paper. She participated in the Westgate Seniors Exercise Program till she was 94. During the last three months of her life, she joined her dear friend Jeanette McClelland at Silvera Westview Town Suites, making new friendships among the staff and residents there.

Barbara was predeceased by husband Earl, parents, Margaret and Harold Manson, and siblings, David, Gordon, Blair and Lorraine Manson.

Barbara is survived by daughter Shell Smith (Stephen) of Rockwood, ON, and sons Fred Guy (Mary), and Christopher Guy both of Calgary, as well as son Robert Guy (Lynne) of Vancouver, BC. Barbara is also survived by her grandchildren, Jamison (Tammy), Joshua (Chanda) and Brittany Coy (Gabriel), and Julia, Thomas, Lachlan and Rowan Guy; as well as her great-grandchildren, Chauncey, Zachary, Jesse, Jaxon and Elijah.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on July 27, 2023 at 11:00 am. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In honour of Barbara’s spirit of giving, memorial donations may be made directly to a charity of your choosing.

In living memory of Barbara Guy, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.