Calnan, Barbara Rita
1911 ~ 2004
Barbara (Barb) Calnan passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Comox, B.C. on March 19th with her family by her side.
Predeceased by her husband, Jim, and brother, Marcus Grant, Barbara is survived by her son, Grant (Joan), daughter, Cheryl Gibbons (Dave), grandchildren: Darryl Calnan (Lori), Laurie, James (Kishani), and Kristen Gibbons, great-grandson, Beau, brother-in-law, Will Calnan (Helen), sisters-in-law, Mildred and Alice, Robert and Jane Grant, who always had a special place in Barb’s heart, and many nieces and nephews.
Barb (Grant) was born and raised in Cumberland. Her grandparents were early settlers in Cumberland and her grandfather, Robert Grant, had the honor of being Comox Valley’s first M.L.A. Barb graduated from Royal Jubilee Nursing School in 1932 and began nursing at the Cumberland hospital. She remained there until she married. In 1937 Barb married Jim Calnan whose parents were also Valley pioneers. Barb and Jim were happily married for sixty-two years and except for two years, they have resided in the Comox Valley all their lives.
Barb enjoyed gardening and traveling but her most treasured times were spent with her family and her friends. Barb loved, and was dearly loved by, her children and her grandchildren. She was always there to render support without criticism. Barb was truly a people person. She had a unique way of defeating misfortune with her optimistic attitude. She never left home without a smile and an encouraging word to share with whomever she met. Barb was a gracious hostess and loved to entertain. She was seldom ill — she just couldn’t afford the time! Among her hobbies she enjoyed dancing, playing bridge, interior decorating and flower arranging. Barb had an excellent memory for names and events and her historical recollections of the Comox Valley, especially Cumberland, were helpful to many local historians. Barb was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
“Barb is now with Jim
in paradise”
A Celebration of Life will be held for Barbara at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 17, 2004 at the Lower Native Sons Hall.