Barbara Joan Cavanagh

To view the service for Barbara, please click HERE 

It is with heavy hearts but warm memories that the family of Barbara Joan Cavanagh announce her passing on August 20, 2025, at the age of 78.

Barbara was born in London, Ontario, on November 16, 1947, and moved to Saint John, New Brunswick, in 1952. She grew up in a warm, loving home, first in Rockwood Court then on Champlain Drive.

She was the beloved sister of James (Jim) Cavanagh (Mabel Greene), aunt to Jill (Stuart), Chris (Leslie), and John (Hilary), and a devoted “Great Aunt Sue” to her ten great nieces and nephews, who adored her humor, generosity, and card playing! The Cavanagh clan knew Barb as “Sue”, “Aunt Sue”, and eventually, “Great Aunt Sue” — occasionally as Susie, but rarely as Barb. This all stemmed from her brother Jim, who couldn’t pronounce “Barb” when she was born, so he started to call her Sue. It has lovingly endured through four generations of the Cavanagh family!

Barb was predeceased by her loving parents, George and Ruth Cavanagh, and by her dear longtime friend, Betty Wintonyk. Barb also treasured the decades of friendship with the Dobson family of Saint John, NB and her many close friends in Edmonton, including her dear friends from the University of Alberta Hospital and Jen (Rick) Gray and their six children.

Barb graduated from Saint John General Hospital, School of Nursing, in 1969. After working for a short time at “the General”, she travelled to Ottawa and worked there for a few years before eventually travelling west to Edmonton, Alberta.  There she did her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, graduating in 1983. Barb built a remarkable career in nursing across several different aspects of her chosen field, both in patient care and management, ultimately dedicating almost four decades to the care of others. Her colleagues and patients alike knew her as a skilled and steady hand, a patient listener, and someone who brought dignity, deep knowledge and kindness to her chosen profession.

Outside of her career, Barb lived a full and active life. She was especially close to her brother Jim, his wife Mabel, and their three children, with whom she shared countless family trips to Newfoundland, Florida, and San Francisco. Later, those adventures and celebrations grew to include her ten great nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

At home, Barbara found joy in the simple things. She adored her pups, Buddy and Pepper (‘the boys’), who brought her comfort and companionship until the very end. She loved cooking, baking, knitting, daily walks, outdoor activities – but also travelled extensively in Europe and loved experiencing new places. Most of all, she treasured her time spent with family and friends, always bringing sharp wit, keen observations, a kind word, and plenty of love.

Barb’s presence was a gift to all who knew her. She leaves behind memories of compassion, resilience, and love that will live on in her family, friends, and all the lives she touched.

A private family celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on December 22, 2025 at 10 a.m. from the Carnell Memorial Chapel. The service will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend. (The link is listed above.)

Donations in her memory may be made to the Edmonton SPCA or The University of Alberta Hospital.