Barbara Mollie Knowler

Barbara was born in Vancouver, B.C. to Howard and Mollie Bush and was the oldest of a family that included brothers John, David, Bill and sister Sally.

Barbara grew up around B.C.’s Pacific Northwest in a part of our country that no doubt informed her lifelong love of all things to do with nature; forests, rivers, wildlife and what became a near obsessive habit of bringing rocks and treasures home from wherever she travelled.

In 1963 Barbara married Jim Knowler whose newspaper and public relations career took them to Kamloops, Grand Prairie and eventually back to Calgary. They welcomed daughter Christi while they were in Kamloops and son Greg in Calgary.

While raising her children Barbara worked for Gulf Oil Canada and later finished her career working as a property manager before retiring several years ago. She somehow found time to go to university in her forties and graduated with distinction in 1989, about the same time both her children completed their post-secondary educations.

Barbara was a well-read lover of books and daily newspapers. She loved her CBC radio programs, the opera, music of all kinds, ice cream and her book club get togethers. She was a wonderful mom to Christi and Greg and was in her element hosting family dinners at home where all enjoyed countless amazing meals and conversations. She had several close and life-long friends with whom she shared many special times involving travel, theatre, opera and dining. Barbara was a gentle and loving presence to all in her circle and her poise and grace will leave a lasting impression on all who were lucky enough to know her. Barbara will be sadly missed by daughter Christi (Brian) Findlay, son Greg (Lisa) Knowler, her brothers John, David (Joy), sister Sally, in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Jim Knowler, her brother Bill and her parents.

Those wishing to pay their respects can do so through Foster’s Garden at www.fostersgardenchapel.ca. Christi and Greg welcome any comments, well-wishes and memories of their mom anyone would like to share. At this time there is no celebration of life planned but a gathering will be announced at some point in the future.

If friends so desire memorial donations can be made in Barbara’s name directly to the Calgary Food Bank at https://www.calgaryfoodbank.com/