MCFADDEN, Barbara

MCFADDEN It is with heartfelt grief that we announce the passing of Barbara Jane McFadden on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, at the age of 86. She died at home, cared for and surrounded by her loving family.
Barb was born in Lethbridge to Claire and Maude Simpson. After the war, her brothers were born, Bob (Dorothy) Simpson and John (Debbie) Simpson. Barb was known locally as a talented performer who was featured in the Howard Ritchie show and performed at the Capital Theatre and the old Lethbridge Bandstand by Henderson Lake. Barb was also a strong swimmer, a love that she nurtured throughout her lifetime, swimming laps with Stan Siwik as her coach in her youth, and falling asleep while floating on her back in the ocean in her sunset years.
Barb was just a lanky teenager when she met the love of her life, Barry McFadden. She was a few years younger than him, but a few inches taller, so she used to step off the curb when they kissed so they’d be the same height. Barb and Barry worked hard and built a beautiful life together, welcoming their daughter Sheri into the world, and then their son Jon, her baby boy. Barb had an adventurous spirit so there was never a dull moment in the household, whether she was redecorating, trying new recipes, or building a skating rink in the back yard for the whole neighbourhood to enjoy. Barb kept the spirit of fun going for her beloved grandchildren, Justin and Ashley (who was known to play sick so she could stay home from school and spend the day at grandma’s house.)
Barb was an entrepreneur later in life, co-owner of Gifts Galore, then opening Kid’s Town. Barb loved travelling to Montreal and Vancouver to buy fashion for the upcoming season, often accompanied by her daughter Sheri. Her keen eye for fashion was not wasted on herself, as she never left the house without a dab of coral lipstick and a gorgeous outfit on. Barb and Barry travelled the world attending Honda conventions, spent winters in Palm Springs and Arizona, and summers on the road in their motorhome, often in a multi-rig caravan with friends from all across North America.
Barb rallied against “damned dementia” in her final years, and although it impacted her ability to find the right word, it never impacted her adventurous spirit, her sense of humor, her generous heart, or the way that she shone and sparkled. With the support of her family, Barb continued enjoying the Bridges Seniors Day Program, local theatre performances, and weekly soaks in the hot tub at Nicholas Sheran Pool, right up until the end.
Barbara was a woman who loved deeply, lived brightly, and laughed often. She was held by her granddaughter as she left this life, and we know she was embraced by her daughter Sheri on the other side. These final words were written by Barb 20 years ago…
“As far as my feeling go regarding my life they are pretty simple. There is not much that I have wanted to do that I did not give a try. Some successful, some not but I did not hold back on living and enjoyed it to my fullest. I loved to try new things, meet new people, make new friends, keep old friends, keep a sense of humour whenever possible, and above all adored my family, each and every one.” A Celebration of Life will be held on March 12, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Salmon and Sons Funeral Home (433 Stubb Ross Rd S Lethbridge, AB)
To send a condolence, please visit www.salmonandsons.ca