Barbara Ann LeGay

LeGAY, Barbara Ann - 62, Halifax, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2017 in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII. Barbara was born in Halifax, September 26, 1954 the daughter of the late Rodney and Beatrice (Lawrence) LeGay.

Barbara was an amazing person and a great inspiration to all who knew her. In spite of her visual impairment, she lived her life with courage, perseverance, enlightenment and understanding. The word “can’t” was not in her vocabulary. Barbara attended the School for the Blind through grade 11, finished high school at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in 1972 and entered Acadia University where she earned a BA in Political Science degree in 1975, was valedictorian and the first blind student to graduate from Acadia. Upon graduation, she accepted a job in Ottawa with the Public Service Commission. After her first kidney transplant she was transferred back to Halifax to be with family. Fifteen years later, she took a leave of absence and attended law school at Dalhousie University, graduated in 1993, articled in Ottawa, and was called to the NS Bar in 1995. She worked in law-related positions until her retirement in 2010 from the Department of Veteran Affairs Canada as Advocate in the Appeals Division.

She received her first of 4 kidney transplants in 1977. But neither her visual impairment nor her health issues slowed her down. Most recently she was part of the sub-committee that rewrote the NS Accessibility Act, passed by the Province as Bill 59 on April 28, 2017. She also sat on the Kidney Foundation board; and was a participant in Can-SOLVE CKD Network, an organization researching chronic kidney disease. Barb was also a member of The Canadian Access and Inclusion Project (CAIP) Lawyers Panel. CAIP is a partnership of 32 not-for-profit organizations across Canada devoted to creating a better quality of life for persons living with a broad range of disabilities. She also served as a member on the Halifax Community Health Board.

Barbara loved music and as a child, often played piano in the Halifax Music Festivals. Music remained with her throughout her life and her and Barry attended many concerts and hosted many music nights with friends in their home. Her many hobbies included crocheting, knitting, reading, and acquiring new accessible gadgets for use around the house. Barb and Barry loved to travel especially to someplace warm.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband Barry Abbott; sister, Deborah (Danny) Borgal, Bedford; brother, Dr. Douglas (Christina) LeGay, Halifax; several aunts, uncles and cousins; nieces and nephews; grand-nieces and grand-nephews; and extended family, parents-in-law Ruby and Bud Abbott, Dartmouth; sisters-in-law Audra (Ken), Cindy; brother-in-law Tony.

Predeceased by father Rodney LeGay and mother Beatrice (Lawrence) LeGay. As well as her loyal guide dogs, Monet, Inger, Acorn and Emma.

Visitation will be held 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday July 4th at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday July 5th, in St. Paul's United Church, 173 Old Sambro Rd., Halifax, Rev. Anne Hoganson officiating. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Nova Scotia Branch.