Barbara Anne Rowell

We wish to acknowledge and thank the doctors, nurses and care team of the Cormorant Island Community Health Centre for the nurturing and loving support they provided Barb while she was in their care.

We would like to extend an invitation to all who knew and loved Barb to join us at the Alert Bay Legion on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 1pm for a Celebration of Barb’s Life. Please see announcement below. Refreshments to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the CICHC – Long-term Care Facility in Barb’s name.

Thank you all for your outreach and support during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

The Rowell family

Obituary:

Barbara Anne Rowell (née Smith), “Barb,” age 86, passed away on January 6, 2026 in Alert Bay, British Columbia.

Born in Romford, Essex, England, Barb grew up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, carrying with her a love of community, friendship, and adventure throughout her life.

Barb was a woman of service and leadership. She worked as Manager of the Alert Bay Credit Union, served as a Census Area Manager for the Federal Government, and was elected as a School Board Trustee for North Vancouver Island. Barb was also awarded a Life Membership for her outstanding service to the Royal Canadian Legion. A talented and dedicated card player, she achieved Life Master status in bridge.

Known for her warmth and hospitality, Barb loved being a hostess—many remember Barb’s Bed & Breakfast, her laughter, and the way she made people feel at home. She was an avid singer, a devoted Elvis fan, a knitter, a romance-novel reader, and a spirited card player (especially hearts and bridge). Barb also loved sports—particularly swimming, bowling, tennis, and field hockey—and she cherished travel, which included embarking on a world cruise with the love of her life, her husband, John. She adored animals, and one of her most treasured moments was fulfilling her dream of hugging a koala. She also brought joy to others as the organizer of a beloved Memphis Girls’ trip to Graceland.

Barb was predeceased by two infant daughters, her parents Doris and Raymond, her nephew Justin, her niece Melanie, and her cherished cats Muffin, Contessa, and Dukie.

She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband John Rowell; her stepchildren Heather Holjevac (Joe) and Jennifer Rowell; her grandchildren TJ Holjevac (Erin) and Elizabeth Couture-Holjevac (Alex); her great-grandson Xavier; her brother Doug Smith (Cheryl); her niece-in-law Dayle, and Dale’s daughters Savanna and Tiffany; and her nephew-in-law Robert.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and care team of the Cormorant Island Community Health Centre for the nurturing and loving support they provided to Barb while she was in their care.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Alert Bay – Branch 198 on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Refreshments to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the CICHC – Long-term Care Facility in Barb’s name.

The Rowell family