Barbara Mary Catherine Hann

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch and family jewel on August 1, 2017 at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax Infirmary Site. Born on December 23, 1932, Barbara Mary Catherine came into the world as the first born child of Arthur and Helen Mary (Gray) Newbury.

Barbara was a lifelong resident of Halifax who could recount with precision the history and evolution of each building, street and point of interest in her beloved city. Her passion and loyalty for friends and family made her a much sought after confidant to both young and old. She would profess that family was her single most important asset and she devoted herself wholeheartedly and without hesitation to this cause.

Her children and grandchildren were her raison d'etre and each was blessed to have been nurtured by this selfless soul who loved unconditionally with a quiet strength and unwavering devotion. This Mother and Nana possessed genuine interest in the daily activities of each child, child-in-law, grandchild and great grandchild and celebrated, with enthusiasm, their accomplishments with profound pride.

Having lived more than eight decades, Barbara possessed wisdom, a quick wit and a memory that would rival most. She fiercely valued her independence and loved all things contemporary or "young"... current events, technology, fashion, a best selling novel, newly released movie, best new toy to share with her grandchildren, or a new place to dine. Anyone stopping by her home, would be treated to great company and a feast that was prepared lovingly and served with generosity. Her favorite times were those involving great food, a decadent dessert, the laughter of children, getting out and about and the sharing and making of memories.

Barbara is survived by children, Ardith Mary (Joel) Offman, S. Gerald (Christine McNeil) Hann and Jennifer Elizabeth Hann (Darryl Eisan). Five treasured grandchildren, Sarah Rachel Offman (Andre Lavoie), Toba Adele Offman, Matthew Henry Offman, Noah McNeil Hann and Aidan Harrison Eisan. She is also survived by great grandson, Luc Arthur Lavoie. Barbara is also survived by sisters Judith (Ron) Burns, Nancy Newbury, a niece, Cheryl Burns, two nephews, Arthur and Donald Newbury (Prince Edward Island) and many cousins and lifelong family friends.

Barbara was predeccessed by her cherished parents who she often shared precious memories about, her husband and only love, Gerald Thomas Hann and her brother Kenneth (Alice) Newbury and brother in law, John Hann.

A special thank you to our special Aunt and Barbara's sister, Nancy who was a devoted companion to Barbara.

A service to honor Barbara will be held on Saturday, August 5th at 11 a.m. at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, NS. Burial to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery (Lower Sackville). In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the IWK Children's Hospital.