WHALEN, Barbara Elaine ‘Barbie’
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barbara Elaine ‘Barbie’ Whalen, 61, of Antigonish. Barbie passed peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by her loving family at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home, Antigonish, on April 23, 2018.
Barbie was born and raised in Antigonish and graduated from St. Martha’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1976. Barbie’s nursing career took her to California where she nursed for 40 years and, along with her husband Eddie, raised their four children.
Barbie’s home in California was always open to anyone who wished to visit, especially her Canadian family and friends.
Barbie spent the last few years of her life in Antigonish.
She is survived by sons, Jonathan and Brandon, California, Logan, Oregon; daughter, Taylor, Rhode Island; sisters, Dorothy MacMillan, Moncton, Walena Chisholm, Bedford, Rosalie (Tony) MacDonald, Fredericton, Marlene (Dave) Gillis, Anita (Emerson) Bennett, Karen-Ann Pringle and Donna (Chris) MacGillivray, all of Antigonish; brother, Bernard (Danny Thompson), Toronto; many nieces and nephews, and sisters-in-law, Irene Springall, Agnes MacLean (Norman), Lilly Fougere (Alfie), New Waterford and Margie Burke (Pius), Amherst.
Predeceased by husband, Edward Whalen; mother, Mary MacMillan; father, Walter James ‘Wally’ MacMillan; brother, Jimmy MacMillan; mother-inlaw, Gertrude Whalen, and sisters-in-law, Donna MacPherson and Ruby LeBlanc.
The family would like to thank the staff of St. Martha’s Regional Hospital and The R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home for the wonderful care and compassion provided to Barbie during her illness. Much thanks to her many friends, too numerous to mention, for all the visits and outings. Very special thanks to Barbie’s youngest sister Donna, her husband, Chris, and their daughters for their never-ending dedication in caring for Barbie.
Cremation has taken place. Funeral Mass will be at held at St. Ninian Cathedral, Antigonish, at 11 a.m., on Saturday April 28, 2018, Reverend Donald MacGillivray presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or charity of choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish.
Online condolences: www. clcurry.com.