Obituary of Barbara Alison Nabors

October 6, 1944 - December 8, 2023

Barbara Nabors, age 79 years, passed away peacefully in Calgary, AB on Friday, December 8, 2023. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Barbara was born at the naval hospital in Bremerton, Washington where her father was stationed with the U.S. Navy during World War II. The family moved to Calgary in 1949, where Barbara grew up and established lifelong friendships. 

Throughout her life Barbara valued learning and education. After high school, she attended Mount Royal College, Colorado Women’s College and later Dominican College where she completed a teaching certificate and history degree. She taught briefly before pursuing a career as a medical transcriptionist. Barbara loved to read and research; she often delved into complex historical and cultural issues and would share her findings with clarity and humor. Barbara found purpose and companionship in her faith community at the Tiburon Baptist Church in California and her Bible study group, the Biblettes. Together they travelled to Israel, a trip that was a highlight of Barbara’s life. Barbara’s strong Christian faith contributed to her living 41 years sober. 

Barbara was passionate about singing and shared her lovely voice as a member of the church choir and a performer in local musical productions. She could often be found whistling a tune in perfect pitch. Barbara cherished family. She was delighted to be an auntie and sister, and could be counted on for fun, laughter, silly jokes and indulging her sweet tooth with her family. Laughter came easily and hugs came freely with Barbara. She was a woman of style and flair; she loved to dress in bold colors and always wore a bright orange shade of lipstick. 

She made her home in San Francisco and Marin County for more than 40 years. Her close family ties regularly brought her to Alberta for holidays, birthdays, and other joyful visits, and she had connections to loved ones around the US and Canada. In 2021, Barbara moved back to Calgary to be closer to family in her final years. 

Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Clair and Lesta Nabors, her step-mother Lillian Mae Wilson Nabors, and her sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Tony Fisher. Barbara is survived by her brother, Charles (Susan) Nabors; nieces, Virginia (Cameron) Webster, Valerie Wilson (Brian Olorenshaw), and Noni Nabors; nephew, Andrew Wilson (Michelle Kula-Wilson); and her great-nieces and nephews, Alissa, Kyle, Cortland, and Lily.

Her family would like to extend thanks to the staff of Unit 83 at Rockyview General Hospital for their kindness and care towards Barbara.  

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Calgary Golf & Country Club, 919 50th Avenue SW, on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 1:00pm. Please follow dress code business casual (no jeans). If friends desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to a charity of choice. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed with Barbara’s family here.

In living memory of Barbara Nabors, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.