Barbara Joan Fowler

      In the song of life, Barbara Joan Fowler was surely the composer. A very observant woman who would rather spend her time creating than talking, Barbara preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around her made sense. In fact, she depended on her sensory world to provide her with concrete data. A free spirit, Barbara believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. She seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything she did. Barbara perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to her, yet she lived with a definite sense of purpose. She was a woman who was always ready to share her creations with those around her.

      Barbara was born on October 11, 1943 at City Hospital in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Her parents were Avery and Florence Campbell. Barbara was raised in Westmount, Nova Scotia. As a young child, Barbara was optimistic in her outlook. She sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply her creative energies. Barbara rarely calling attention to herself, but when she did speak out, her message was clearly understood by those around her.

      Early on in her family relationships, Barbara showed that she was a tolerant and flexible person, and she got along fairly well with everyone. She was raised with four siblings. She had 2 older sisters, Callie and Suzanne; 1 younger sister Judy and 1 younger brother David. She was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

      As she was growing up, Barbara developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and she took pleasure in using her hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Barbara liked concrete things. Growing up, Barbara took part in basketball. She was a CGIT and Explorers member. In her spare time she liked to sew and attend dance lessons. Barbara's memorable achievements included. However, to Barbara, the most fun she had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

      Early on in her school years, Barbara showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in the arts. At times, school learning did not provide Barbara with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, she could often be “lost in a book” well above her grade level. Her passion for fine arts was so keen that fellow students and even her teachers recognized it. She graduated from Riverview High School in 1962. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was bookeeping. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Mrs. MacInnis, her shorthand teacher.

      In college, Barbara showed that she was able to focus on what was necessary. She found it quite easy to dive headlong into classes, especially those that truly interested her. Using her understanding of language, Barbara was able to move comfortably through a wide variety of courses. She also demonstrated her artistic temperament and talent, even in classes that weren’t typically considered art courses. Barbara’s ability to assemble highly creative projects became second nature to her. She earned her Diploma in Canadian Institute of Management at Cape Breton University.

      Those who didn’t know Barbara well might not view her as being an outgoing person, those who called her their friend knew differently. Barbara was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced her opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that her kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Barbara’s, you understood how true a friend she could be. While growing up, some of her best friends were Iris Young and Theresa Bartlowt. Later in life, she became friends with Donna Peach, Judy Patten and Kay Mooney.

      A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Barbara had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On October 30, 1964, Barbara exchanged wedding vows with her life partner George Vaughn Fowler at the St. Matthew Wesley United Church of North Sydney, Nova Scotia.

      Barbara was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to her children. These emotional bonds made her as much playmate as parent. She gave her family unconditional love and kindness, sharing her artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Barbara was blessed with two children, two daughters, Judy and Susan. They were also blessed with one grandchild, Dylan.

      Barbara found ways to enjoy what she did for a living. She worked hard and did her best to succeed every day. Her primary occupation was Bookkeeping. She was employed for the family business, Fowler Painting. Barbara tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing her will on others.

      Barbara enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were playing the violin, playing bridge and golf. Barbara was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. She was relaxed in her approach to her leisure time because she wanted to savor the present moment.

      Barbara liked sports. Recreational sports included tennis, golf, badminton and aerobics. Barbara was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were golf and tennis.

      Throughout her life, Barbara was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout her later years, Barbara was an active member of the UCW at Knox Church. She had a tendency to bring peace to her relationships by avoiding disagreements.

      Barbara’s faith was important to her. She was a member of Knox United Church for many years. During that time, she was a Sunday school teacher. Barbara's passionate commitment to upholding her values placed her at home in her religion, where she took comfort in the company of others who believed as she did.

      Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Barbara was given accolades for her many and varied accomplishments throughout her life. She often undervalued her achievements and abilities and simply viewed her performance as fulfilling her responsibilities. Some of her most prestigious awards included the Member of the Hole In One Club, Lingan Golf Club.

      Because she loved the world around her, Barbara enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for her to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Barbara put her personal trademark on any leisure planning that she undertook. Favorite vacations included Netherlands, London, England; Scotland and golfing in Myrtle Beach, Florida.

      Barbara was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Barbara’s favorites was Lucy and later in life Lily. They were best friends for Lucy for 13 years and Lily lived with her the last 3 years of her life.

       In retirement, she found new pleasure in golfing, playing bridge and travelling. Even in retirement, Barbara continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of her life, she became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her and simply enjoying what she had worked so hard to attain.

      Barbara passed away on September 21, 2016 at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney from a recent cancer diagnosis. She is survived by her children Judy and Susan, grandson Dylan and 4 siblings, Suzanne and Cally (Gerry); Judy (Jim) and David (Kim). Services were held at T. W. Curry Parkview Chapel. Barbara was laid to rest in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens, Sydney, NS.

      Barbara was a good woman, a kind woman, and a practical woman who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. She leaves behind her a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Barbara always had much to give and was able to make those connections in her life where her gifts were appreciated. Barbara was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Barbara .

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Barbara Fowler

October 11, 1943 – September 21, 2016

Barbara Fowler, 72, passed away on September 21st, 2016, surrounded by family after a brief illness.

Born and raised in Westmount, she was the daughter of the late Avery and Florence (Huett) Campbell.

She was predeceased by the love of her life, her husband George ‘Tudy’ Fowler of Glace Bay.

Barbara had many talents and interests and lived a full and active life. She was an avid golfer and enjoyed many other sports throughout her life including tennis, downhill & cross country skiing, badminton, swimming, biking and skating. She was the bookkeeper for the family business and a talented dressmaker. A life-long love of fiddle music inspired Barb to start violin lessons at the age of 50. She was also a member of the Cape Breton Duplicate Bridge Club. Barb loved to travel and in recent years enjoyed golf trips to sunny locations and made many family visits to Europe.

Barbara will always be loved and greatly missed by daughters Judy (Onno), Netherlands and Susan, Glace Bay; beloved grandson Dylan, Halifax, with whom she shared many laughs; sisters Suzanne & Cally (Gerry), Calgary, and Judy (Jim), Sydney; brother David (Kim), Dartmouth; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Cremation has taken place. A service celebrating Barbara’s life will be held at 11 a.m. September 26th at the T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel in Sydney, with a reception to follow.

Special thanks to Dr. D’Intino and the staff of the An Cala Palliative Care Unit for their compassionate care and support. Donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.twcurry.com