Skip to content

Patricia Jean BARNES (nee Sewall)

May 16, 2008

Barnes_Patricia

Patricia Jean Barnes (nee Sewall)

Patricia passed away peacefully at 95 on May 16 at the Nanaimo General Hospital after a fall in her home.

The past 27 years of her retirement were spent in Qualicum Beach enjoying the quiet village lifestyle. Patricia was born on March 17, 1913 at the small southern Alberta ranching community of Faith, Alberta. Her parents were pioneer homesteaders and cattlemen.

She attended the one room school at Etzikom, Alta. and later finished High School in Medicine Hat. Deciding on a teaching career she went to Normal School in Calgary and later Summer School at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. She told many stories of embarking upon her career at the height of the Great Depression. One of which was having to buy the coal to heat the schoolroom because none of the parents could afford it; not to mention a teachers salary.In 1942 Patricia married Gordon Barnes of Mannyberries, Alberta. Gordon went overseas shortly after as he had trained as a pilot in the R.C.A.F. He flew bombers with the Pathfinder Squadrons while stationed in England. Patricia spent the war years living with her Aunt Dora in Vancouver and developed a longing for the West Coast. Patricia and Gordon bought a farm at Millicent near Brooks, Alberta in 1947 and worked and lived there until 1966. After raising three sons; Bill, Nick and Patrick. Patricia went back to teaching nearby at the Duchess District School in 1960. In 1966 Patricia's love of the West Coast proved irresistible and she, Gordon and family moved to Vancouver. Finding teaching work was difficult but she got a job at the Talmud Torah private school and later with the Vancouver School Board. Her work was a source of many stories which were complemented by her incredible memory and a fine sense of humour. In 1975 Patricia retired to Aldergrove B.C. and enjoyed her time helping Gordon operate a trailer park. In 1981 having sold the park they moved to Qualicum and bought a home. Patricia enjoyed playing bridge, reading biographies, oil painting, decorating her homes and telling stories

She is predeceased by her husband, Gordon Barnes, her brothers Jock and William Sewall and her sisters Dodie Bailey and Betty Lou Moreton. She is survived by her sons: Bill, and Nick (Kathy) of Cloverdale and Pat (Patricia) of Qualicum Beach. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Adam Barnes of Victoria and Kelly Barnes of French Creek and her new great grandson Logan Patrick Sullivan-Barnes. She is remembered and loved by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

The family appreciates the work of Homecare, Drs. Fletcher and Inder, the paramedics and NRGH staff. Also Quality Foods and all the services of the community that allowed Patricia to live independently in her home. And a special thank you to her wonderful friends June, Leis, Lorraine, Ken and Joanne Vail.

A gathering of friends and family will be held at the Rotary Park Qualicum Beach, August 22, 2008 starting at 1 PM


"THE CIRCLE OF LIFE"

We are pleased to announce the birth of

Logan Patrick Sullivan-Barnes

Born on April 29, 2008 at Comox Hospital weighing 8 lbs. 10 oz.

Proud family are Parents Jeanine Sullivan and Kelly Barnes, big brother Holden, Grandparents, Glenis and Pat Sullivan and Patricia and Patrick Barnes, Great-grandparents, Patricia Jean Barnes, Gil and Pat Dyer and Gloria Sullivan and many Aunties, Uncles and Cousins.



Secondary Title

Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.