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Barbara Cantwell Obituary
Barbara was born to Frances Anne Cantwell (nee Stafford) and Francis Paul Cantwell. She spent her childhood on the West Side of Vancouver, growing up with her brothers Michael and John, and her sister Kelly. Barbara attended The Convent of the Sacred Heart School, where she made lifelong friends. She then studied Spanish and Dance at Marylhurst College in Lake Oswego, Oregon, completing her final year of studies in Valencia, Spain.
Barbara went on to finish her teaching certificate at the University of British Columbia and embarked on a career that would span decades, enrich lives, and produce many friendships. She was a kind and dedicated educator who inspired her students to reach their full potential.
In 1979, Barbara married Peter Van Hee and went on to raise two children, Alex and Ben. Her family was her greatest joy, and she poured her heart and soul into raising her children, instilling in them her values of kindness, compassion, and generosity.
Barbara is predeceased by her mother Frances; father Paul; sister Kelly; and granddaughter Maple. She is survived by her husband Peter; brothers Michael and John; daughter Alex (Seth); son Ben (Anne); and four grandsons, Arlo, Odin, Finley, and Rowin. Barbara will be deeply missed by her family and her many friends, who will remember her for her love of family, her compulsion to help others, and her encyclopedic knowledge of horticulture. Her home and her garden were her pride and joy, and she spent countless hours nurturing and tending to them.
Barbara's passing leaves a great void in the lives of all who knew her, but her legacy of love, kindness, and dedication will live on through her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched throughout her life.
A private Celebration of Life will be held at Barbara and Peter's home in the spring; when the garden is ready.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Cantwell
13 Entries
Anne Marie Reisig
March 21, 2023
Barbara was my mother's cousin. I never met her while I was growing up, only saw pictures. As an adult, I took a trip with a friend to Vancouver but did not know Barbara lived in that area until the morning I was leaving. Although I missed meeting her in person, we got to messaging back and forth. It didn't take me long to discover what a wonderful and kind woman I had missed out on all these years. She really loved her family, showed me family photos (old and new), and introduced me to her son Ben over Messenger. We talked again about meeting in person when she was coming out to see her daughter, but unfortunately, that didn't happen. I was really saddened to hear about her passing. She will hold a special place in my heart. What a lovely lady. God bless her and her family. My sincere condolences to you.
Kitty Kular
March 8, 2023
My condolences to the family.
Barb and I were teaching partners many years ago. Barb was my mentor in so many ways and a dear, dear friend. Working with her was very fulfilling and fun.
I appreciated her very special sensitivity that was inclusive, understanding, accepting and caring unconditionally.
Barb loved Indian food and was curious to learn about the culture and traditions. We talked about travelling to Mount Abu together.
Barb was so approachable and you could talk to her about anything and everything. She had an amazing spirit that was graceful, passionate and courageous to stand up for the her value system in a positive, encompassing way.
Barb's spirituality was inspirational. we shared yoga practices and attended a related concert together.
Barb was a superb communicator and it was always a pleasure and comfort to talk to her.
It was a true privilege to know her.
Rest in peace, my friend!
Donna O'Leary
March 6, 2023
My heartfelt condolences to Peter, Mike, John & all of Barbara's family. We remember and celebrate her life.
Uncle Paul, Barbara's Dad, was my Mother's
brother. I have happy memories of our families visiting each other in the early years when we were teenagers. They came to So. California to visit us and we saw them in Canada. One vivid memory of Barb is that she was great fan of the Beatles.
The years have flown by, what with our busy schedules, raising our fami!ies and work. Uncle Paul gave us updates when he would visit.
Barbara & I reconnected a few years ago over the internet. It was so lovely to hear from her and catch up.
Barbara's life is a beautiful testimony of a caring, lovely, and talented woman. I will miss her.
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Joanne Finnamore
March 5, 2023
Barbara greatly influenced me both as a treasured colleague and friend.
She cared deeply about her students as she did her fellow teachers and friends. She was always there to listen, and share her passions and wisdom.
She possessed a calm grace, kindness and courage that I so admired, and that were evident even in her most difficult of times.
I am so grateful that I was able to develop a closer friendship with Barbara after my retirement.
I will miss dear Barb.
My deepest condolences to Peter, Ben, Alex and all of Barb´s family and friends.
Joan Calderhead
March 4, 2023
Our condolences from the Calderhead family. Barbara, like her father, was always kind and welcoming to her eastern cousins. Honey, Peter, Elizabeth, Paul, Vincent, Steve and Dan Calderhead
Sue Joys
March 4, 2023
To Barbara's Family
I just read of her passing and pass along my sincere sympathy.
Barb and I grew up together. She and of course her siblings were my next door neighbours. I adored her Mom, my Mom and I shared a joke when Frances called her dog Charlie , wondering if any neighbours were called Charlie, wierd I know. Barb and I had a pully system between upstairs bedroom windows where we passed notes. Such fond memories, hope all your memories bring you peace and comfort.
Sue Joys ( Susan Tierney)
Suzanne Holden
March 3, 2023
Barb had such an impact on me as an educator and was a dear friend. She was a beautiful person inside and out, and will be missed by many. My thoughts go out to Barb's family and many friends.
Kathryn T Walkley
March 2, 2023
My love to the family of a beautiful woman. I did not have the pleasure of knowing Barbara, but I do know her brother John and know he loved her. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. Kathryn Thomas Walkley
Linda Bates
March 2, 2023
Dear Peter and family, I´m so sorry for your loss. I hadn´t seen Barb for a long time but I will always remember those days in East Van when our little preschoolers played while we had wonderful conversations. She was such a warm and bright friend. Dan is doing well and also sends his condolences. We also have Ben in our thoughts.
Tracy McLaughlin
March 2, 2023
I learned from John last week that our dear Barbara had died. What a huge loss to her family and the world. Barbara always led by example and she´ll be deeply missed.
With sympathy and love,
Tracy McLaughlin
Richard & Joan Gordon
March 2, 2023
Barb and Peter introduced me to my wife over 30 years ago.They turned my life around.We will dearly miss Barb.
Richard & Joan Gordon
Barbara & Martin Miles
March 1, 2023
We are saddened to hear of Barbara´s passing and are thinking of you during this difficult time.
With Deepest Sympathy
Martin & Barbara
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results