Obituary of Barbara Judith Schell

November 19, 1947 - Toronto, Ontario

July 11, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Barbara Judith Schell, known by friends and family as Barb, passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, in Calgary.

Born on November 19, 1947, in Toronto to Doris and Phil Schell, Barb lived a life that was at times filled with family and friends, and at other times she faced many challenges.

Barb grew up in Richmond Hill, ON, alongside her parents and younger brother Ian Schell. She shared a special bond with Ian, who now resides in Mississauga with his wife Susan and their four children, Tara (Chris), Amanda (Trevor), Lyndsay (Matt), and Tim (Alexia).

She attended nursing school at McMaster University in Hamilton, and we celebrate the bonds of friendship she maintained for many years with her graduating class.  After graduation she married Bob McCorquodale with their dear friends Marilynn and Bill Booth standing proudly beside them. Together, Barb and Bob raised their family with love for the next seventeen years.

Barb began her nursing career in Toronto, where she lovingly cared for patients in the heart of Little Italy. She continued nursing in a variety of capacities while her family grew. In 1971, she welcomed her daughter, Sarah, into the world, followed by the birth of her son, James, in 1975. As a mother, Barb always wanted the best for her kids and was proud of their many accomplishments despite not always knowing how to show them.

The family embarked on a series of moves, from Toronto to Calgary, then back to Toronto, Vancouver, Sao Paulo, and St. Albert, before finally settling in Calgary in 1985. Barb embraced the expat lifestyle during their time in Sao Paulo, Brazil, creating countless cherished memories.

During the late 1980s, Barb faced a difficult chapter in her life, as she grappled with increasingly severe challenges related to her mental health, which remained undiagnosed. Her remarkable intelligence and fierce independence were both her strength and her downfall, as she lived life on her own terms. Throughout these tumultuous years, her father, Phil, and her dear "Uncle" Art Webster provided unwavering support, strength, and encouragement. Art, who served as a father figure to Barb, holds a special place in the family's heart for his lasting impact.

Despite the challenges Barb faced, she managed to participate in weddings and family gatherings, leaving indelible imprints on the hearts of her loved ones. While she spent significant time in isolation, her presence was always deeply felt. The family longs for more time together, but they will forever cherish the memories they shared.

Barb’s legacy lives on through her daughter Sarah and her three children, Josiah, Aaron, and Rachael, as well as through her son James, his wife Cara, and their three children, Julia, Ewan, and Grace.

In this time of sorrow, the family would like to express their gratitude for the love and support they have received. They find solace in the memories they shared with Barb and take comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched. May she rest in peace.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Barbara Schell, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.