Barbara Lynn Oakes of the Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, passed away at the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre while surrounded by her loving family on February 5, 2013 after a long and valiant battle with cancer at the age of 62 years.
Barbara was born on March 18, 1950 in Campbellton, Restigouche County, New Brunswick to parents Bill & Joyce Nichol. Barbara grew up in Charlo, New Brunswick and graduated from high school in 1968. After marrying her loving husband, Jim Oakes, in 1972, their journey together took them to Thompson, MB, Princeton, BC, Grand Forks, BC and finally Coleman, AB. Along this journey, Barb touched and impacted many people in a positive way: as a friend, a bank teller, a secretary within the mining industry and a secretary at an elementary school. She truly loved her work with the school and looked forward to helping any child that was in need.
Barbara will be sadly missed by her loving husband Jim; her loving sons, Andy (Tanya) and Tim (Tari); her cherished grandchildren, Emily, Abby, Hunter, and Ryder; her parents, Bill & Joyce Nichol; her sisters, Brenda Nichol and Margaret (Fenton) Yeo; her brother-in-law, George Oakes; her sisters-in-law, Jessie Baldwin, Grace Sellick, Barbara (David) Cool and Grace Oakes; as well as her nieces, nephews, extended family and numerous friends.
She was predeceased by Jim’s parents, Allison & Ethel Oakes; her brothers-in-law, Aloysius (Vera) Oakes, Delbert Oakes, Nick Baldwin and sister-in-law, Pat MacLeod.
The Memorial Service honouring Barbara’s life was held on Friday, February 8, 2013 at 10:00 am at Fantin’s Funeral Chapel with tributes provided by the family and prayers led by Rev. Janni Blegum. Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca. Donations in memory of the late Barbara Oakes may be directed towards the Crowsnest Pass Health Foundation, “Palliative Care Program”
(Bag 1, Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0). Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. (403) 562-8555.