Barbara Teresa Calnan, RN (née Cully)

Barbara Calnan, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, dedicated nurse, and nurse educator passed away peacefully with her loving daughter, Jan by her side and in the kind and caring attention of the nurses, doctors, and care workers of Ottawa General Palliative Care. She was 88 years old.

Daughter of the late Thomas and Eva Cully (n. Edith Emma Lafreniere), she was born in Pembroke, Ontario on March 14^th, 1935, Barbara is pre-deceased by her brothers Patrick (Christiane) and James Henry. She graduated from the Lorrain School of Nursing in 1955.

Barbara met the love of her life, the late Colonel Michael D. Calnan when the young Lieutenant was stationed in Camp Petawawa awaiting his posting in Germany. They married July 2^nd, 1958, and started their family in Europe with first born, (now retired) Major Michael T. Calnan (Captain Marguerite Samplonius), followed by Susan (Brian Ashe), Patrick (Nancy McCormick) and Jan (Daniel Sauvé). She was the most enthusiastic cheerleader of her children--suffering each child’s desire to master a hobby, sport, or an instrument; smartly sound proofing Patrick’s bedroom as he pursued rock star dreams on the drums, sewing countless beautiful figure skating dresses for Jan and Susan (sometimes forgetting to remove all the pins), attending and hosting military social events for both Michaels. Barbara loved music and musical theatre and always had a song on her lips, encouraging a similar love in her children. While she loved being a Mum, she absolutely adored being Jack’s grandmother and is so proud of the amazing young man he has become. Barbara will be missed by her nieces and nephews and dear sister-in-law Mary Cole (Douglas). She is pre-deceased by her beloved granddaughter, Moiragh Lee.

Barbara was a dedicated nurse at the Ottawa General for many years and retired as a nurse educator in Psychiatry. An avid bridge player, she was part of a group of lifelong friends who shared a love of the game and each other. Barbara was known for her hospitality and hosting summer gatherings. She enjoyed any socializing that involved her friends, family, bridge, golf, nursing, her catholic faith, or the military, especially the Gunners and their families. For her efforts, Barbara received the Colonel Commandant’s Commendation. We don’t think it’s a coincidence that the Patron Saint of Gunners is Saint Barbara.

Winter snowbirds in their retirement years, Barb and Mike had many Canadian and American friends in North Port, Florida where she was an active member of the association board. She thoroughly enjoyed her term as Commodore of the Boat Club and any opportunity to volunteer, fund raise or organize a social with her friends. After successfully performing CPR on a heart attack victim during mass one Sunday, she spearheaded the project to bring defibrillators and training to the residents of her community. She is fondly remembered by friends and staff of Manotick Place, her retirement home for many years. Barbara’s last few years had been with Jan and Dan, who were so dedicated to her comfort and care. As well, she is missed by her friend Gabriela and caretakers Yazmin, Carolyn, Anne, and Kelly. Our family is so appreciative of their efforts to make Mum’s final years happy and joyful.

Thank you to Dr. Li, Dr. Vincent, Father Roman and all the doctors, residents, nurses, and care workers of the Ottawa Hospital (General) Palliative for their kindness and care for our dear Barbara and her family.

Friends and family are invited to visit the sacred space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, Monday, March 27^th after 1pm. Memorial service will be held at 2pm, followed by interment at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces. Reception in the Borden Fleming suites at 3:30pm. Please join us. For those of you unable to travel, the service will be livestreamed - Please register here.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice Care Ottawa or the Royal Canadian Legion.