Obituary of Catherine (Irene) W. Barr
Catherine (Irene) W. (Heggie) Barr of Saint John passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 26, 2020 at Bobby’s Hospice. She was born in the seaside town of Leven, Scotland on October 27, 1930, and was always a proud Fifer.
Irene began her adult life working as a secretary for golf club manufacturer George Nicoll of Leven, through which she met golf professional Robert (Bobby) Barr. They were married in 1955 in Nairobi, Kenya, where Bobby was employed as a head club professional. Their sense of adventure and Bobby’s career led them to Nottingham, England, then to immigrate to Canada with their young family in 1963. After several years in St. John’s, NL, they settled for the remainder of their lives in Saint John. Irene managed the home, giving loving support to her family. She also acted as buyer of women’s clothing for Bobby’s pro shop, and was well-known for organizing her spring fashion shows.
Wherever they lived, Irene, as a very social and outgoing person, made lifelong friends. She loved to chat and share a smile with acquaintances and shopkeepers on her outings. She was a past member of Westfield Golf and Country Club, and she is well-remembered for her beautiful flower arrangements. Irene was happiest spending time with her family, and when she could see and hear the ocean.
In addition to her parents, Irene was pre-deceased by her husband, Bobby in 2008, her sister, Agnes and her brother, Thomas.
Irene is survived by her two children, Fiona Higgins and her husband Brian of Saint John; Alastair Barr and his wife Clare of Grand Bay-Westfield. She will be sadly missed by her two grandchildren, Stephen Higgins and his fiancé Emily Moore; Meaghan Fox and her husband Robert; as well as her great-grandson Isaac Fox. She also leaves several nieces and nephews, all of the UK, as well as her group of dear “Desperate Lunch Wives” friends.
The family would like to thank the many health care professionals, as well as Donna, Diana, Kathy and Shannon of Joan’s Home Care, who cared for Irene over the past months. Your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Bay View Funeral Home, 1461 Manawagonish Road, Saint John, NB (634-7425). At Irene’s request, there will be no visitation. A private family memorial service will take place at a future date at Brenan’s Bay View Chapel. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, donations to Bobby’s Hospice, or the Palliative Care Unit at the Saint John Regional Hospital, or a charity of the donor’s choice, would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.
