Barbara MacDonald, a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on February 22nd, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of Irene and Dr. Patrick Doyle. Predeceased by her parents, she leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness.
Barbara grew up between Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, BC, where she spent many happy days golfing at the Portland Golf Club in Raleigh Hills. She attended Little Flower Academy for most of her elementary and high school years, where she built lifelong friendships. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing at the University of British Columbia, where she also pursued a Master of Business Administration.
Barbara's career was diverse, and she excelled in everything she did. She spent time working in the neonatal intensive care unit as a nurse, where she brought comfort to countless families; then, as a pharmaceutical sales representative, she ultimately used her extensive medical knowledge to educate others about Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and worked tirelessly to establish a DVT Clinic at VGH; a clinic she was able to rely heavily on during her journey with her cancer.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Barbara was an incredibly athletic and active person who loved spending time outdoors. She enjoyed running in earlier years, and in later years, she worked out at Contenders boxing studio, skied most weekends at Whistler Mountain and windsurfed every summer in Hood River, Oregon.
Barbara will always be remembered for her involvement at the Arbutus Club being an active member for countless years, especially with her involvement with Minor hockey, acting as team manager on a yearly basis.
Barbara loved gardening and created an amazing display of flowers at the front of our house each year. It was a constant source of interest and photographed by many who passed by. As a result of her illness, she was not able to garden to her usual extent and instead enlisted Sharon and Baruš to plant her tulips. When they complained to her about the 200 bulbs she made them plant she responded smiling “You should be grateful, normally I plant 300”. The garden will be a testament to her life this spring.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Ron, and their children (she referred to them as “creatures”), Laura, Conor, Sean and Matthew, who meant everything to her. She is also survived by her siblings Sharon, Pat, Bob, Joe and Kathleen, who were a constant source of love and support throughout her life.
Barbara's kindness, generosity, and love touched everyone she met. She had a fiery spirit which led her to some lively debates, which she always thought she won. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her family and friends take comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with her parents and at peace. Rest in peace, Barbara.
Special thanks to Dr. Dave Thompson and Dr. Kathy Cadenhead who were always there for her and her “creatures”, especially during her illness.
A memorial service will be held at Saint Augustine’s Catholic Church on Friday March 3, 2023 at 10:00 AM. The church is located at 2028 West 7th Ave, Vancouver. Donations can be made to the Pacific Otolaryngology Foundation, a charity founded by her father, and of which she served as a director until 2019.