Obituary of Barbara Yvonne Livesey

May 2, 1931 - Manchester South, UK

January 13, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Barbara Livesey, much-loved wife, mum, grandma, great-grandma, and great-great-grandma, peacefully ended her final chapter on Saturday, January 13, 2024.

Born in Manchester, England, on May 2, 1931, to Hilda Emily (nee Steward) Moyes and James Arthur Moyes, Mum was a woman of remarkable wit, humour, tenacity, and resilience. She embarked on the adventure of marriage with Dad, Harold Livesey, on September 6, 1952. They had grown up together, spending much of their youth participating in events at Holy Innocents Church in Fallowfield. Their adventuring duo became a trio in 1954 with Anne’s arrival and grew again in 1957 when Karen arrived on-scene. In 1957, with a toddler and baby in tow, she courageously ventured across the North Atlantic by ship and traversed Canada by train to join Dad in Vancouver. This marked the beginning of a somewhat nomadic life that took the Livesey family to various parts, during which Miriam joined the crew in 1965. The family finally settled in Calgary in 1973.

Barbara’s professional journey began as a librarian at Manchester Central Library. Throughout her career, she continued to contribute to various libraries, culminating in her dedicated service at the Calgary Public Library. At Macleod, Shaganappi, Southwood, and Fish Creek branches, she excelled in her work and formed deep and lasting friendships. The camaraderie between her and her close-knit group of friends, known as the “Gang of Five”, added joy and meaning to her life. Mum also fostered a love of books in her children, and as the family grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren, no Christmas was complete without a book from Grandma. Her vast knowledge and love for trivia also made her a formidable opponent in games like Trivial Pursuit.

Mum was stubborn and resilient. She endured the hardships of WWII, including being blown across the room during the bombing of Manchester, and later survived a pulmonary embolism that should have killed her. Mum still managed to make it to 92, minus half a lung. She also enjoyed riding pillion behind Dad on the motorcycle, sometimes being comfortable enough to fall asleep! Mum and Dad shared many motorcycling adventures, beginning in England and continuing throughout North America. In their later years, Dad bought a Moto Guzzi and added a sidecar for stability. As a family, we shared many road trips and camping adventures, first in the Bedford van and a tent and later with the camper and fifth wheel. We visited family from California to Texas, and Mum and Dad enjoyed many other trips.

Mum is survived by daughters, Anne Livesey-Husak (Merv Husak), Karen Livesey, and Miriam Crook (Terry Crook); grandchildren, Brandi Holman (Chad Goebel), Stephan Husak, Andrew Livesey (Jennifer Livesey-Moore), Mairin Husak (Chris Andersen), Rachel Gilks (Steven Gilks), Megan Magnus, Samantha Husak (Evan Beyer), Courtnay Vande Beek (Travis Vande Beek), Michael Magnus (Brittany Morrison), and Cody Crook (Laura Burnette); fourteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, and extended family in England. Dad predeceased her in 2013.

Mum leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and resilience. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all those whose lives she touched.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, (20 Eglinton Avenue West, 16th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M4R 1K8, (416) 488-8772) https://alzheimer.ca/en.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Barbara’s family here.

In living memory of Barbara Livesey, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.