Barbara Jean Rafuse

She is survived by her two sons Paul and Victor (Jo-Ann Brock) and her four grandchildren Erin (Trevor Burd), Ben (Breanna Lane), Emily and Brock. She was predeceased by her parents Frank and Isabel (Cox) Rosborough, her daughter Beth and husband Edward.

Barb will be remembered as the unassuming leader of her family. She was the great enabler who made the aspirations and accomplishments of her family members many. She had an early start as a young nurse who married a medical student. Barb and Ed were devoted companions for over 64 years, sharing many triumphs and comforting each other at times of challenge. Keeping up with Ed and supporting him in his many professional roles and attempting to counsel him on some of his extra-curricular activities, could have been enough for most but she mothered her two sons and daughter as much as any mum could ever possibly do. Her love and devotion to family continued with the arrival of her four grandchildren. She truly was the poster mum and Nana. Throughout it all Barb was an active volunteer for many health-related societies. Later, when her children had grown, Barb went back to nursing, the profession she loved, working for several years in the kidney transplantation ward at the QEII and later with the VON. In her free time, of which she had little, mum tended to her impressive East Chester Garden, joined friends in her life-long passion of bowling and travelled extensively with Ed and close friends to many parts of the world.

Being an “unattached” patient from the Western Zone, Barb received the attention of many fine health care professionals in her own home and hospital over the past 4 years. The family would like to thank Dr Kuznetsov of the South Shore Regional and Dr Mordhorst of Vascular Surgery at the Halifax Infirmary for their inspirational patient advocacy and humanity.

Arrangements are with JA Snow Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, August 6th at St. Andrew’s United Church, 6036 Coburg Road, Halifax at 7 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to CNIB Guide Dogs.