Barbara Mabel Rowell

Barbara Rowell passed away peacefully at the age of 87. Barb is survived by William, her loving husband of 64 years and her children: Bill, Joy (Dave), Robert (Karen), John (Sheri) and Joanne (Ernie). Barbara was 'Nana' to her 13 grandchildren: Gregory, Derek (Christina), Tyler (Alexis), Scott (Yolanda), Julie (William), Jeffery (Liana), Karina, Kathleen, Carolyn, Christina, Madeliene, Tito and Nathan and 2 great grandchildren: Constantine and Ruby-Anne. Barb is predeceased by her parents: Janet and Ernest Warne, her brothers: Rev. Max Warne and wife Berna, Rev. Dr. Donald Warne and her dear sister Lenore Warne. Barb's sister-in-law Hester resides in Whitby, Ontario.

Music became second nature for Barb as her family owned Warne's Music Store in Peterborough, Ontario for over 70 years. After graduating from Eastern Pentecostal Bible College as a church deaconess she worked in radio ministry with Rev. Cornelius in Chatham, Ontario. She also ventured into northern Manitoba on mission work with her good friend Grace Oats (Priest). On route to the north Barb was billeted with the Rowell family in Winnipeg where she met a certain young man named William. Upon her return an evening of skating ensued and thus their courtship.

Bill and Barbra’s first home was in London, Ontario followed by Montreal where they first attended Evangel Church. Shortly thereafter they moved to Beaconsfield, and attended Lakeshore Evangelical Church. A highlight from mom's love of singing was when she became a member of the Elgar choir in Montreal with friend Helen Currie. After moving to Vancouver in 1968 the whole family became active members of Broadway Church. Barbara was a soloist and enthusiastic member of the choir. She was also very active in the church’s women's ministry. In 1991 Bill and Barb retired to Abbotsford and spent many happy days enjoying their trailer in Birch Bay.

Barb was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She was both affectionate and lively. Her strong spirit filled up a room and she loved to laugh and entertain whenever she could. She made life an exciting event whenever possible. Every Christmas she dressed up as Mrs. Santa and delighted her many grandchildren with gifts from her very large Christmas Stocking. Barb was known for her love of life, hospitality and her talent of entertaining. Barb's faith and trust in God was unwavering. Through the joys and challenges of life, she had no hesitation in giving God the glory and depending on Him for her strength. She was a resilient, compassionate and generous person who loved to help people in their time of need. Her happiest moments were spent with her family laughing, talking, being outdoors, camping at Birch Bay and sharing family dinners and special events together. Barb's later retirement years were focused on encouraging her family and her grandchildren. We were truly blessed with a wonderful wife, mother and friend, she will be dearly missed.