Barbara Ann (nee Armstrong) Crosbie
November 16, 2019
Obituary
Barbara passed peacefully away November 16, 2019. Left with fond and loving memories, her husband of 57 years, Roger and children: Beverley (John Stevenson), Mark (Susan Hynes), Amy (Gary Squires) and Jennifer (Sameer Dhargalkar), grandchildren: Hannah Stevenson, Sarah and Rebecca Crosbie, Kate and Andrew Squires, Owen and Clara Dhargalkar and a large circle of relatives and friends. Barbara enjoyed life to the fullest and gave of herself to others without question. She loved Newfoundland and spent her life giving back to it. She was President and founding member of the Newfoundland Historic Trust, President and Treasurer of the Art Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, and on the Board of Directors of the Colony of Avalon Foundation in her beloved Ferryland. She was a recipient of the Canada 125 Medal in recognition of her work with the Vanier Institute of the Family, of which she was an Honourary Life Member.
Her love of travel led to her starting a career with Air Canada and later co-founding a travel agency. At the age of 46 – as if raising 4 children and volunteering on numerous Boards was not enough, she decided to return to Memorial University of Newfoundland to complete a Bachelor of Arts in History and Newfoundland Studies and then continued towards a Master of History.
On Taaffe’s Lane, the door was always open and the kettle always on. Barbara will be remembered for her legendary Saturday soup attended by both family and friends – always accompanied by loud and lively conversation. Barbara was a wonderful cook and enthusiastic host with an uncanny ability to keep any conversation going. She had a love for all things artistic, especially painting and quilting. Her love of Newfoundland extended to her appreciation of the unique art forms it inspired, through her vast collection of hooked mats to her own paintings of coastlines and wild flowers. She had a witty sense of humour and the ability to make everyone feel welcome. Those who cared for her in the last few years, especially the staff of Chancellor Park, saw all of those things and for that we are truly grateful. Barbara will be remembered most as a loving wife, mother and grandmother.
Relatives and friends may visit the family at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Sunday and Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. from the Mary Queen of Peace, Torbay Road. Private interment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Bridges to Hope (www.bridgestohope.ca) or the charity of your choice.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on November 17, 2019
7-9 p.m. on November 17, 2019
2-4 p.m. on November 18, 2019
7-9 p.m. on November 18, 2019
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
9:30am, Tuesday November 19th
Mary Queen of Peace
To the Crosbie Family
Gary and I were saddened this morning to hear of Barbara’s passing. Our sincere condolences to the family.
Mark – we are all so sorry for your loss. Your mother sounds like an amazing woman -just like her son and granddaughters. Take care and we will see you back here in Vancouver soon.
Love, Roth, Scarlett, Magnus, and Nancy
Amy and family, my sincere condolences. Your Mom was obviously a remarkable woman who will be remembered fondly. Tanya Grant
Dear beverly and family, mrs crosbey was always so nice to me,such a kind lady ,love pauline
A beautiful women she was. Full of life, compassion and knowledge. I met Ms. Crosbie at the Community Sector council Where we were co-workers. A kinder gentle, and loveable Barbara was a kind and gentle soul who took time for people. A nicer person can not be found.
Rest In Peace dear friend. God Speed
Amy and family, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Amy and family: So sad to hear of your mother’s passing. You are in our thoughts and trust the memories will flood back as you reflect on a wonderful life.
Roger and family….. so sorry to hear of Barbara’s passing. We have been in Vancouver now for 35 years but I still remember her kind chats and advice when you were in the apartment on Forest Road so long ago. She was special and will be remembered fondly.
John and Kay Dustan
Roger and Family,
Flo and I were very saddened to hear of Barb’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to you and family.
Colin and Flo Crosbie
I”ve been out of town only returning this afternoon to discover the passing of Barb. She was such a bright light that now has been dimmed. She meant so much to so many people as a result of her generosity, love of this place and its people, her winning smile, great stories and hospitality.
She may be gone, but she never will be forgotten.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Crosbie family and their many friends today. Mrs. Crosbie’s kindness to the thousands that roamed up and down Taffe’s Lane will never be forgotten. Her welcoming smile on Regatta Days is a great memory of growing up in a special time and place. The Crosbie home seemed to have an endless capacity to gather happy people and Mrs. Crosbie was in her glee on those days. God Bless Mrs. Crosbie.
Roger, Bev, Mark, Amy and Jennifer and all your families….I am so sorry that Barb has passed away but she will always be present in the minds and hearts of everyone she touched. I can still feel her warm and welcoming hugs and laughs. When I was new to the Crosbie family I was in awe of the welcome I received from her and continued to receive all these years. I do have a little piece of art that she painted so will remember her everyday as I walk down the stairs.
Roger and family, sincere condolences.
Saddened to hear of Barbara’s passing. I first met her at the Arts and Culture Centre when she was the producer fora Summer Festival production of Brendan Behan’s The Hostage. She produced everything we needed for the detailed set, and was unfailingly cheerful and positive during the whole experience. We met occasionally after that, but always with that sense that time had not aged her – still the vivacious person I remembered from that first meeting in 1968.
So sorry to learn of Barb’s passing.. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Mildred Steinhauer
I was saddened to learn of Barb’s passing. Such a lovely, welcoming, and fun-loving soul, our lives were richer for her presence and the world is less for her absence. Though distance prevents me from joining you to pay my respects in person and to celebrate her life, please do know that you are all in my thoughts at this time. May she rest in peace.
Roger and family, so sad to hear of Barb’s passing. She was larger than life, a formidable force to reckon with. I enjoyed many a great chat and laugh with her, especially on the golf course. Ferryland was made richer by her presence, love for and contribution to our community. Thank you, Barb.
Deepest sympathy,
Annette and Keith Mooney, Ferryland
Dear Amy and Family..
Pat and I were sorry to hear that your Mom had passed away. She was truly an Incredible lady. .WeSen.dCondolences to you and your family. May she rest in peace. Sharen and Pat
Mark Bev Amy and Jennifer I am so sorry to hear of your Moms passing please accept my deepest condolences and know you are all in my thoughts and prayers… I have many fond childhood memories the good old days..
Mark so sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you can find some comfort in all the fond memories of soups and soup offs, as your mom and family were legendary in our town. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Trevor and family
Amy, I’m so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. The obituary is a beautiful tribute to her memory. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sorry hear about her passing , thinking of you all at this time .
Amy, Gary and Family
Amy, I met your Mom several times through the usual comings and goings while working with you, and she really was an unforgettably warm, engaging and sophisticated lady. I am sure that she will be terribly missed. Our condolences.
So sorry to hear of Barbara’s passing, Sincere condolences to Roger and all members of her family.
We also acknowledge and appreciate her contributions to Ferryland and area especially her tireless volunteer work with the Colony of Avalon Foundation.
It is with heavy heart that I learned of Barb’s passing this morning. Many many years ago I babysat for Barb’s children and years later had the opportunity to work with her. She was one of the most generous and sweetest people that I know. When I had my first child, a girl, she gave me bags of clothes her children had used – the most beautiful items from England. I was thinking of that just Saturday, which happened the be the day she passed. My thoughts and prayers go to Roger and the family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dear Roger and Family, it was with sad hearts that we learned about the death of your beloved Barbara. She was a wonderful friend to the Sisters of Mercy and to me personally. She was a woman who was compassionate, wise and creative. She cared about people, she encouraged people to be their best, and she advocated for justice for each one. And she did all of this with grace, laughter and respect. May she rest now in the peace of the Risen One for all eternity. May each of you be given courage and hope by the memory of her rich legacy and by her deep love for all of you. Unfortunately, I am in Montreal for meetings this week and will not be able to attend the Wake or Funeral. Know that my heart and my spirit will be with you as you say good-bye to a woman whose live enriched all around her. Blessings of comfort and peace, Sister Elizabeth Davis for All the Sisters of Mercy
Amy, Gary, Kate & Andrew,
We are so sorry for your loss. We hope that the happy memories you shared with your mom help you through this difficult time.
Tammy, Kent, Kyra & Aiden
Uncle Roger, cousins Beverly, Mark, Amy and Jenny, Ruth and I offer our deepest sympathies. This has been a long and difficult road, but today I remember the bright light that was my Aunt Barbara. She was always kind and thoughtful, always ready for fun and especially for family get-togethers. When I was much younger she was the one I turned to when I needed help and it was always there.
We are very grateful we got to see her one last time when we visited with her and my mom, the sisters, together with Anna and Beverly – our final family get together.
We are far away today but we have been thinking of you all day and remembering all the good times with Auntie Barb, and we join you in remembering her as the fine and decent woman who always seemed to have a twinkle in her eye, and something nice to say.
Frank and Ruth
Roger and Family , sorry to hear of your wife’s passing…..thoughts and prayers are with and your family at this time…….Bob & Donna French
Roger and family , Our sincerest condolences on the passing of Barbara.
Condolences to Roger and all the family on the loss of Barbara . She was a good friend and an unforgettable member of Monday’s Company painting group and enriched everyone who had the pleasure of her acquaintance. Barbara made everyone welcome in her lovely, fascinating cottage and these visits will never be forgotten. We must give thanks for a life well lived.
Roger, Mark, Bev, Amy and Jenny – please accept my heartfelt condolences. Many childhood memories are embedded at the bottom of Taffe’s Lane, with Barbara a fixture throughout. We paraded arounds the inside and outside of the house like it was our own, as Mrs. C always made us feel welcome and cared for. Thinking of you, and reflecting on Barbara’s wonderful life.
Sending condolences to Roger and family on the loss of this beautiful woman. She was always cheerful and kind, and we’ll always remember her welcome and open smile. Her dinner toast of “Live, laugh, love my friends” will ring in our ears forever. Rest in peace Barbara.
When I moved to St. John’s, Mrs. C and family always offered a warm meal and good story. I learned much about Newfoundland history, art and culture from Mrs. C. Her love for St. John’s and Newfoundland was infectious. She was a happy, bright light whose kindness I will never forget. Thank you for taking me in and making me feel like I was always welcome. You were good people.
Amy and family, our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your beautiful Mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Love
Paul & Cathy O’Leary
Sending tender condolences to everyone. Jennifer, I have such beautiful memories of your mom and the conversations she would have with us when carpooling us around in junior high. I was aways in awe of her knowledge, how she oozed with love and enjoyed telling us her colourful stories:) Cherish perfect memories.
Sending hugs.
Sending my condolences the the family.It was a blessing to have met Barbara and her family. I will be forever grateful.May God rest her soul.Thinking of the family today .Jenny
Bev, John, Hannah and the Crosbie family;
My happy thoughts linger long. Our sincere condolences.
Love,
Annette and Steve (Benson) and “the boys”
Roger and family, I am so deeply saddened by the passing of this wonderful, witty and oh so loving “Other Mother” of mine. She has shaped my life in so many ways as I often hearken back to her wisdom. She and I were so close for so many years. I am so blessed. to have known and loved her. This is such a difficult time for all of you. Please know you are in my thoughts and heart at this sorrowful time. Taaffe’s Lane will never be the same.
To Barbara’s family and friends, I extend my deepest condolences to you on your loss of such an extraordinary woman. I initially met Barbara in 1984 when we were both enrolled in a number of history seminar courses at M.U.N. She was a very dynamic, bright, well read, witty and beautiful woman. I always looked forward to seeing her and throughly enjoyed her company and conversation . I have thought of her often over the years since. May her gentle soul Rest In Peace.
To Barbara’s family and friends, I extend my deepest condolences to you on your loss of such an extraordinary woman. I initially met Barbara in 1984 when we were both enrolled in a number of history seminar courses at M.U.N. She was a very dynamic, bright, well read, witty and beautiful woman. I always looked forward to seeing her and throughly enjoyed her company and conversation . I have thought of her often over the years since. May her gentle soul Rest In Peace.