Obituary of Barbara Holmes

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our dear mother and loving wife, Barbara, also known as Babs. Death occurred at_the Charlotte County Hospital on Sunday, April 12th, 2015 at the age of 89. Barbara spent most of her near 68 married years in the town of St. Stephen with her loving husband, Norman. Barbara was born on October 19th, 1925 in Newport, Wales, and was the daughter of the late John and Ellen (Barnes) Miles of Newport, Wales. .Barbara is predeceased by her brother, Eric Miles. Barbara served in the British ATS Signal Corps in Wales during WWII where she met her husband to be, Norman, who was serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Barbara came to Canada as a war bride and she and Norman wed in a little country church in Waweig, NB. Barbara is survived by husband, Norman, her two children, son Philip of St. Stephen and daughter Carolyn Messer (Dayle) of Saint John, two grandchildren, Kim Messer (Kirsten Johnson) of Toronto and Chris Messer (Sarah Taylor) of Saint John and four great grandchildren, William and Ethan Messer and Joah and Colby Elizabeth Messer/Johnson of Toronto, along with several nieces and nephews. For a while Barbara worked for NBTel as a telephone operator and was the first married woman to do so, as hiring married woman at that time was frowned upon. Most of her life was dedicated to caring for her family which she did with wonderful home cooked meals and a loving heart. Visits from the grandchildren were very special and when great grandchildren came along there was always lots of hugs to go around. Barbara was a member of Kirk McColl United Church, IODE Atlantic Charter Chapter and the Royal Canadian Legion. She served on the St. Croix Public Library Board for many years and enjoyed judging the children’s special works and Remembrance Day essays. Barbara was a proud participant in Remembrance Day Parades and often visited the schools where she and Norman would share stories of war time. She loved bridge club, playing and singing at the piano and often played at the legion to lead in the Canadian anthem and God Save the Queen. In later years she became a member of the St, Stephen Golf and Curling Clubs. The backyard gazebo was her favorite spot to watch the birds and enjoy nature’s beauty in their beautiful garden. We will miss Mom’s laughter and loving way. She was a friend to all and always taught us to think positive and anything is possible with hard work and lots of love. Arrangements have been entrusted to Humphrey’s Funeral Home, 20 Marks St., St. Stephen, NB 506 … 466 … 3110) with visitations on Wednesday from 7 … 9 pm only. The funeral service will take place on Thursday, April 16th, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Kirk McColl United Church in St. Stephen with Rev. Dr. Mark Hatfield officiating. A reception will follow. For those who wish remembrances could be made to the St. Croix Library in St. Stephen, Kirk McColl United Church building fund or charity of donor’s choice. On line condolences to the family or donations can be made at www.humphreysfh.com