Barbara Ann Filiatrault

Barbara (Barb, Barbie, Hun, Mom, Grandma, Nana), born in Antigonish on May 28, 1946, was the sixth and youngest child of William D. MacMillan and Marjorie B. Giffin MacMillan of Canso, Nova Scotia.

Barb’s childhood was spent in the company of her loving brother and sisters, Harold, Isabel, Kaye, Helen, and Deanna; Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. When she was only 8 years old, she lost her sister Isabel, forging an even stronger connection with her siblings and collectively they brought joy to all who shared their love of life. Heartbreakingly, she then lost her mom in her early 20’s. With both unthinkable losses, Barb still managed to persevere and live life to its fullest with great love and passion.

In 1967, she and James (Junior, Jim) Filiatrault of Canso were married and together they raised two children, Derek and Rachel; their pride and joy. A pride that continued to grow when their grandchildren came along. If you have ever been lucky enough to spend time with Barb, you would feel the abundance of joy they all brought to her, each special in their own unique way. In return, she filled their lives with a kind, gentle, caring approach that was unparalleled.

Barb’s entire working career was with the Bank of Montreal. Starting in Canso fresh out of high school. Then in Port Hawkesbury and later, a transfer to Lunenburg, NS, where she eventually retired.

There was rarely a dull moment in the Filiatrault household. Barb and Junior’s home life was rich with many gatherings, always with an open door, an open heart and open mind. She welcomed all of Derek and Rachel’s friends over the years for band practices, game nights, dance parties, karaoke, and the list goes on… and for the many lifelong friends that she and Junior made along the way. Their home was a safe, comforting place for anyone and everyone. She had a huge heart and knew how to love, with an occasional hint of sarcasm and sauciness.

Through the many humorous stories and as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Barb will be terribly missed and forever remembered. She valued loyalty, honesty, and authenticity. She was our hero.

Barb is survived by her true love of 58 years, Junior, her children, Derek and Rachel; her granddaughters, Annabelle, Olivia, Elise, and her grandson Elliott; her daughter in law Candice and son in law Carl; her loving sister Deanna, brothers and sisters in law: Doug and Judy Lumsden, Ray White and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was pre-deceased by her parents Billy Mac and Marjorie, siblings Harold, Isabel, Kaye, and Helen; and her in laws, Rosalie MacMillan, Don Cohoon, Win Nickerson, Claude & Dolly Filiatrault, Doreen White, and Raymond & Bernie MacDonald.

Cremation has taken place, and celebration of life to honour our beautiful, crazy, funny, spiritual Barb will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers any donations can be made to Alzheimer's Society of Nova Scotia in memory of Barb, or a charity of your choice.