Obituary of Barbara Ann Belway

April 30, 1933 - Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario

February 1, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Barbara Belway, beloved wife of Raymond Belway of Calgary, AB, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at the age of 89 years.

Barbara was born in a small town in Ontario, the youngest of four children. The family soon after moved to Ottawa where she grew up, went to school, and eventually met Ray. Shortly after having her third child, she and Ray moved to Calgary where they continued to raise their children.

Barbara was a devoted mother, a role that gave her deep joy and pride. With her sense of Irish resolve, Barb raised her children to live with purpose, lead by compassion and respect for others. She was a tremendous role model with an appreciation for the value of higher education. This was despite having lost her mother, Susan, at the age of seven. She was carefully guided and gently influenced by her older sister Maureen, and her brothers Brian and Charlie, both of whom were pilots in the Canadian Air Force. Her moral compass was also greatly shaped by her loving father Leo, and the nuns at the Rideau Street Convent in Ottawa, where she accelerated two grades and was valedictorian at her high school commencement.

Having a passion for adventure and travel, as a young woman Barbara embarked on a European adventure starting with a solo voyage aboard the R.M.S. Queen Elizabeth. Her travels took her through many parts of Europe including the slopes in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany. Later in life she imparted her love of travel and the majestic beauty of the mountains to her children, taking them skiing to Banff and hiking in the Canadian Rockies throughout their childhood. This connection to nature and enthusiasm for the abundance of outdoor activities is now manifest in her grandchildren.

Barbara was a dedicated supporter and fervent cheerleader of her children, dependably attending their numerous sporting and extra-curricular activities. A baker, educator, nurse, referee, seamstress, and neighbourhood taxi driver, she fulfilled each role without hesitation and often on short notice. In addition to these countless volunteer duties, she was a kind soul with a playful spirit and witty sense of humor.

She was very active in the Catholic Church, volunteering her time to serve the church and community members in need. Barb was charitable in all that she did, providing cakes, cookies and pies for bake sales, donating money to altruistic causes, sponsoring a foreign exchange student, and often offering warm Christmas meals in our home to individuals who otherwise had nowhere else to go. Her faith was a cornerstone to how she lived her life.

A fourth-generation Canadian, Barbara was fiercely proud of her Irish heritage and the hardworking spirit of her ancestors who immigrated to the Gatineau Valley, north of Ottawa. She was also instrumental in maintaining contact with the diaspora of Irish relatives, reconnecting many from various branches of her family tree. 

Barbara’s favourite poem was The Irish Blessing – “May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rain fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”

She will be most remembered for her selflessness. Barbara wanted for little more than the love of her family, compassion to others and a recognition of good community values. She lived a relatively humble life yet felt incredibly enriched by the company of both her children and grandchildren.

Barbara is survived by her sons Stephen (Tamara) and Brian (both in Calgary), and her daughter Jennifer (Joe) in Dubai, as well as her three adoring grandchildren, Cole, Aidan and Danielle. Additionally, she is fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews, and their offspring scattered across North America, who loved her as the central matriarch to their collective Irish roots.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Ray, siblings Maureen, Charlie, and Brian, and her parents Leo and Susan. She will be lovingly remembered, forever adored, and eternally cherished.

The Family would like to acknowledge and sincerely give thanks for the attention and support from the care and medical team that looked after Barb in her last couple of years, including the staff and residents at the Rocky Ridge Retirement Centre. Of particular thanks, we wish to recognize the incredible support and oversight provided by the tremendous staff at the Rosedale Hospice in Calgary. They provided remarkable comfort to not only Barbara but her family as well.

A Funeral Service will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB), on Saturday, February 11, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Belway’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Rosedale Hospice #1245 – 70 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2X8Telephone: (403) 284 – 5195, https://www.hospicecalgary.ca/donate/ .

In living memory of Barbara Belway, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

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