Barbara Joy Bishop

In loving memory, we announce the passing of our Mother, Barbara Joy Bishop on July 7, 2022 at the age of 96 surrounded by her loving family.

Lovingly remembered by her two sons Mike Bishop (Laurie), Reid Bishop (Karen); and three daughters Hope Bishop (Ed), Jill Chorney (Steve) and Nancy McMurdo (Ross).

She will be sadly missed by her grandchildren: Dave Bishop, Ella Bishop, Christine Watson, Zachary & Sarah Chorney and Devin McMurdo. Also by great grandchildren Jennifer & Meghan Watson, Mackenzie Bishop and Alexander and Olivia Chorney. She also leaves behind a large circle of friends that she had in the Valley Neighbors Club, the High Country Lodge, numerous bridge groups and the Millarville Church. She loved all of you.

Predeceased by husband George Bishop (1987) and sister-in-law, Margaret Bishop (2011)

Mom was born December 30th, 1925 in Fox River, Nova Scotia to loving parents Ross and Maddie Graham. The second youngest of ten children Barb (‘Babs’ to many) pursued post-secondary education in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she graduated as a registered nurse from the Victoria General Hospital. Soon thereafter she met her husband-to-be, George Bishop and they were married on July 1, 1950. They made their way to Alberta where they established their home and raised five children. In the early 1980's Barb and George moved to Ottawa, where mom spent 15 years before she moved to Okotoks to be with her family.

Always active in the community, mom was an avid supporter of the Anglican Church and regular member of the ACW in every community that she lived in. In 1989 she spent four months in the Caribbean doing volunteer work as a family planning counsellor for Canadian Crossroads International. She maintained that working with young mothers on the island of St. Vincent was one of the most enriching experiences of her life.

Her love of the Maritimes never left her and she made annual trips back to Nova Scotia to visit her many family and friends, which were always very important to her.

Barb had many hobbies over the years, but would say her main loves were quilting, cross-stitch, knitting, playing crib and bridge as well as baking. During COVID, Mom knitted so many pairs of socks she decided to start a small business called "Socks by GG" (Great Grandma). Her tagline was "Still sockin’ it to you at 95 years young". A lasting memory for all of her children is the heritage quilt she hand stitched for each of us, with each quilt taking a year to make. Bridge and sports were her main passions though and she read, studied and discussed bridge strategy endlessly with her family, despite the fact that we had never played! Although Barb never played sports she was an enthusiastic sports fan who knew endless statistics about all the players and teams she followed in baseball and hockey. If you knew mom, you were audience (sometimes captive) to her many opinions on all things related to her favorite team, the Toronto Blue Jays. Clear minded and articulate she maintained her interest right to the end and when she watched/listened to her last Blue Jays game the night before she passed she gave her final thoughts on the team by announcing "shut that TV off, I can't stand seeing the Blue Jays play that poorly".

You fooled us Babs! We thought we would be planning your 100th birthday party and celebrating that together. Instead, we have an angel to guide us. To our remarkable mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend to many, rest in peace Babs. We were fortunate to have you in our lives for this many years and we will always love you and miss you.

A life made beautiful by kindly deeds

A helping hand for other’s needs

Generous her heart and friendship true

Loved and respected by all she knew

To all friends and family please join us in celebrating the life of Barbara at 12:00 p.m. Monday, September 26th at the United Church in Okotoks. Luncheon to follow. The Church is located at 43 Riverside Gate, Okotoks T1S 0J2

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to Valley Neighbour’s Club, Turner Valley, Alberta, https://valleyneighboursclub.com/