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BORN
07/30/1942
DIED
01/06/2026
Barbara Acheson Obituary
Barbara Jean (Née Baird) Acheson passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, in her 83rd year, at her care home in West Vancouver, following her final battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Born in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Barbara grew up in Willowdale, Toronto, and attended Earl Haig Secondary School. Her first son was born in Toronto in 1964. The family later lived in Uganda, Africa, where Barbara welcomed her second son and helped establish a nursery school, and where she discovered a lifelong passion for art.
Returning to Toronto in 1972, Barbara focused on raising her children. A decade later, she built a successful career in medical office management and, at age 40, founded Medi-Gen Placement Agency. She later met the love of her life, Dr. Stephen Kiraly, through work. In 1996, they settled on Bowen Island, where Barbara embraced island life, travel, and her art.
Known affectionately as Barb, Nani, Bibi and Mom, she was a loving daughter, mother, wife, stepmother, and grandmother, with a deep appreciation for beauty in all things.
Barbara is survived by her husband Dr. Stephen Kiraly; her brother David Baird; her sons Christopher (Grace) and Michael (Suzana); her stepchildren Sarah, Rebecca (Morgan), and Michael; her grandchildren Nevena, Logan, and Peiting; and her step-grandchildren Cohen and Carter.
Her love, creativity, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed.
Born in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Barbara grew up in Willowdale, Toronto, and attended Earl Haig Secondary School. Her first son was born in Toronto in 1964. The family later lived in Uganda, Africa, where Barbara welcomed her second son and helped establish a nursery school, and where she discovered a lifelong passion for art.
Returning to Toronto in 1972, Barbara focused on raising her children. A decade later, she built a successful career in medical office management and, at age 40, founded Medi-Gen Placement Agency. She later met the love of her life, Dr. Stephen Kiraly, through work. In 1996, they settled on Bowen Island, where Barbara embraced island life, travel, and her art.
Known affectionately as Barb, Nani, Bibi and Mom, she was a loving daughter, mother, wife, stepmother, and grandmother, with a deep appreciation for beauty in all things.
Barbara is survived by her husband Dr. Stephen Kiraly; her brother David Baird; her sons Christopher (Grace) and Michael (Suzana); her stepchildren Sarah, Rebecca (Morgan), and Michael; her grandchildren Nevena, Logan, and Peiting; and her step-grandchildren Cohen and Carter.
Her love, creativity, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by North Shore News from Jan. 21 to Feb. 20, 2026.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Acheson
1 Entry
Michael Acheson
January 23, 2026
May you find peace and rest. Know that you are, and always will be, with me. With eternal love, Michael
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