Debbie Barlow (nee Unilowsky) passed away on January 10, 2019 at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital after a long, courageous fight with multiple myeloma.
Debbie was born in Trail, BC but raised in Weyburn, Saskatchewan. Here she met her husband Roger Barlow and started a family. In 1981, the family moved to Fruitvale, BC where they started an upholstery and cabinet-making business together. In 1987, Debbie followed her childhood dream of becoming a nurse. She had found her calling, and Debbie’s compassion and devotion to her patients touched the lives of so many people during her career, first as an RN on Second Medical at the Trail Hospital and then as a psychiatric nurse at the Daly Pavilion and Harbour House.
Debbie also helped operate the family nursery business, Beaver Creek Greenhouses. She and Roger spent many blissful summers exploring mountain ranges across western North America in search of new native plants to cultivate. In 2006, Debbie and Roger were awarded the Marcel Le Piniec Award from the North American Rock Garden Society for their joint work in introducing many native plants into cultivation.
Debbie loved spending time with her family and her favourite family gatherings always included lots of kids, dogs and great food. She was an excellent cook,and no one ever left her home hungry. Debbie also loved to garden and was especially proud of her bougainvilleas, lilies and giant spanish onions. She was quick to share the bounties of her life, be it her garden, her time, or her love. Debbie will always be in our hearts and will continue to guide us all with her generous, compassionate example.
Debbie is survived by her husband Roger; daughter Sara (Nick) Howald; son Christopher (Jodi) Barlow; her five grandchildren: McKenna, Christian, Hannah, Max and Rowan; her sister Carol Brothen; nieces Christine, Sheryl, and Tamara; and nephews Terry and Jason. Debbie was pre-deceased by her mother Frances Unilowsky and her sister Beverly Roy.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 6 at 11.00 am at Gateway Christian Life Centre, 8320 Hwy 3B, Trail, BC. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Scotland, Dr. Stone, Dr. Stanley, NP Lori Verigin, and all the superb staff at the KBRH Oncology Department for their attentive and compassionate care. As well we would like to thank the outstanding staff on the Third Floor Medical Unit of KBRH for all their kindness during Debbie’s time there.
As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made in Debbie’s name to the Oncology Department via the KBRH Health Foundation at 1200 Hospital Bench, Trail, BC, V1R 4M1 or online at www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Deborah Lee Barlow January 10th 2019..
Death notice for the town of: Trail, Province: Colombie britanique