Barbara Ann McIlveen

The family of Barbara McIlveen announce with sad hearts the passing of our beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, and dear friend, on Saturday April 29, 2017, in her 75th year.

Barbara was born in Hamilton, to Mabel “Maimie” and Charles “Bud” McKie (both predeceased).

Barbara and Dennis, her husband of 56 years, shared a marriage of dreams and compromises. They were united in their love and they fought Barbara’s cancer together. Dennis is truly, for always, “number one on her list.”

Their four daughters, Darlene, Linda, Suzy and Nancy will greatly miss their mother and friend. Her sons-in-law, Eric and Philip, share in the loss. As do all of the extended Lunsky and La Macchia families.

Barbara’s pride and joy were her seven grandchildren: Isis, Deacon, Serena and Finesse Lunsky; Josie and Abbie La Macchia; and Kylie McIlveen. Grandma Barb delighted in every aspect of their lives and their personalities – and she memorialized her love for them in many photos!

Bonnie Wordock and Brenda Bell admired and enjoyed their sister, Barbara. The three McKie girls wove their lives together with laughter, graciousness, and friendship. They are the ones you want to sit beside at an event.

Barbara’s extended family, including brother-in-law Neil, sisters-in law Ann Marie Burnside and Beth McIlveen-Nobes, along with their families, including Auntie Barb’s nieces, nephews, and her cousins, will forever miss having such a caring person in their lives.

Barbara’s life was enriched by having close friendships, here in Hamilton, especially with her dear friend Nalda; in Florida at HoJos; and at the cottage on Deer Island near Honey Harbour. Her grand-children are very fortunate to have such wonderful adventures and memories at “Grandma Camp!”

Barbara, along with Dennis, was an avid North Carolina College basketball fan. Supporting their team through the years brought them much happiness; and they were delighted that the NC Tar Heels won the NCAA 2017 Championship.

Barbara had numerous talents. Many people were gifted with her knitting, and everyone in her circle of family and friends received at least one photo album from her. Guests at the cottage often were handed a photo album of their visit as they left!

She and Dennis loved their life at home in Hamilton, their cottage life on Georgian Bay, travelling to North Carolina, and wintering in Florida. They travelled throughout Canada, the USA, and globally. They especially enjoyed Australia and New Zealand.

Barb’s greatest talent was her connection with people. She genuinely cared about people and their lives. She sent cards and emails for every occasion. She never forgot to celebrate special events, and to extend sympathy and a helping hand during times of grief. Her heart was open to friendship, laughter, and joy.

Dennis and the family would like to thank family and friends for their support over the past years. Special thanks are extended to the many health care professionals who helped Barbara during her battle with Multiple Myeloma.

Thank you to her gracious roommates in C4 room 28, at Juravinski Hospital; and our appreciation is extended to the doctors, residents and nurses who allowed the family to be with her and care for her while she was hospitalized.

We wish to thank in particular the Juravinski F Clinic staff, especially Dr. R. Foley, Karen Running, Laura and Natasha. Barb grew very close to her guardian angel, Teri-Lynn Vandendool. Thank you to the compassionate care from the Juravinski chemo department staff, especially Arlene, Tracy, Ann Marie and Ruby. Thank you to a very solicitous, Vince, who works at the Juravinski Cancer Centre door, assisting patients and their families. Additional thanks are extended to the CCAC at the Pritchard location, especially Dovey.

Barbara, Dennis, and family were especially proud of everyone on the “Mighty Mac Tag Team” who joined together in laughter, struggles, happiness, and tears - because no one fights alone.

Visitation with the family will be at Cresmount Funeral Home at 322 Fennell Ave East in Hamilton on Sunday May 7th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm; and on Monday May 8th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and then at 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

The funeral will take place at the Annunciation of Our Lord Parish at 10:00 am on Tuesday May 9th.

Internment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, on Spring Gardens Road off of Plains Road, will follow the mass. Cremation has already taken place.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cancer Assistance Program (CAP), or to a charity of your choice, and are appreciated by the family.

Online condolences are available at dignitymemorial.ca