Barbara Joan Knoblauch (nee MacLean)
1928-2021
Barbara was born on 21 September 1928 and passed peacefully on 30 June 2021 at Lady Minto Hospital at the age of 92. She was born in Fairview, Alberta to parents Howard A MacLean (deceased 1956) and Barbara C. MacLean (Potter) (deceased 1992).
She graduated in 1951 from Misericordia Hospital School of Nursing, Edmonton, Alberta and enjoyed Nursing across Canada – from Nova Scotia to Vancouver Island, B.C. working for D.V.A., Operating Room Nurse, Obstetrics and Geriatrics.
The family moved to Salt Spring Island in 1962, where she worked for Dr. Robert Dixon as his nurse/receptionist. It was a much smaller community at that time. She and the children moved to Pouce Coupe in 1971, where she worked as a nurse, and then they returned to Salt Spring in 1973 to live, with her commuting to work at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital for many years (working 12 hours shifts traveling to and fro after each shift). Between 1985 and 1991 she worked as Matron of St. Charles Manor Retirement Home in Victoria. These were some of her happiest nursing days caring for the patients.
Barbara loved her family and having the children bring their friends home (always welcoming them in at any time, day or night). She enjoyed the sunshine, travel, history and archeology.
Barbara is survived by children Joan Ingrid, Greg (Wendy), Dan, grandchildren Eric (Ashley) and Scott, along with her great-grandson Wyatt.
We would like to thank all the Home Support Staff who helped care for mom in her home, the doctors, nurses and all hospital staff who cared for her in her final days. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Lady Minto Hospital, or a charity of your choice. No service as per Barbara’s request.