Obituary of Nancy Barbour Kirkpatrick

It is with great sadness, but much relief that her family and friends announce the death of Nancy Barbour Kirkpatrick, affectionally known as “Kirk” who passed away on August 9, 2022, at The Turnbull Nursing Home.

Nancy was born in Ontario on May 7, 1936, to Harry and Gladys (Trider) Kirkpatrick. Her early childhood years were spent in Digby, N.S where she lived until High School when her family moved to Fredericton. It was during this period that she began working at St. Joseph’s Hospital as a summer student. This was her introduction to a dedicated 35-year nursing career at St. Joseph’s.

While a student, Nancy received the McDonald Award given annually to a student showing leadership and School Spirit. Nancy graduated in 1961 and in the following year went to Montreal to the Royal Victoria Hospital for a postgrad course in OBS. On her return, she accepted the position of “Head Nurse” on the 5^th floor, where her excellent leadership and dedication to Christian Values, for both OBS/GYNE patients became evident.

Nancy treated all her patients with dignity and respect ensuring their very best care. She was an excellent role model and mentor to both staff and students, therefore training some of the “best” nurses in Saint John.

In 1996, Nancy received the Nurses Association of N.B “Award of Merit” for excellence and dedication to nursing, in part, as a result of the presentation made by Denise Issacs to honour Nancy’s Career.

Nancy retired later that year and then had time to pursue her passions of walking, singing, travelling with many friends and to vacation spots. In later years she enjoyed many cruises with her life-long friend Fran.

Nancy was one of the kindest, most caring people we know and will be remembered for her endless generosity to her family and friends. She donated to numerous charitable organizations including The Terry Fox Run which she participated in for more than 20 years.

She loved music and sang for many years with her beloved Sea Belles. Each year in June she and many of her nursing classmates travelled to her brother’s cottage in Skiff Lake where they enjoyed good food, many liquid refreshments, most of all each other's company and tons of fun.

Nancy is survived by her brother, Howard (Marion) Kirkpatrick of Woodstock; sister, Connie (Ben) Prince of Digby, N.S; nephew, Tim (Faye) Kirkpatrick; as well as her niece, Krista (Paul) MacInnis. Nancy will be greatly missed by her family and friends especially Anne, Fran, Irene, Denise, Margaret and so many others.

We wish to express our gratitude to the staff at Turnbull Nursing Home for the compassionate care she received especially during her final journey. They truly exhibit a culture of kindness and respect.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424). A Funeral Liturgy will be held on Monday, August 15, 2022, at 1:00 PM in the Brenan’s Chapel. Interment will take place in Digby, N.S, at a later date. Donations in memory of Nancy may be made to Romero House or The Salvation Army. Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com