Passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on August 14, 2022,
in her apartment at Saint Anne’s Court, Fredericton, New
Brunswick.
Born in Crowe’s Mills, Nova Scotia to the late
Osborne Higgins and Alma McLellan, she was the oldest of six children.
Iris is survived by her three children: Nanette (Rick) Chisholm, Susan
(David) Gower, Thomas (Raylene) Barnhill: eight grandchildren, Frances
Beaudin, Thomas John Chisholm, Adria Gower, Caroline Hylands, Annette
Haughian, Marie Osmun, Brett Barnhill, Michael Barnhill and 9 great
granddaughters. She is also survived by three of her siblings: Ross
Higgins, Ethel Halliday and Ella Brown.
Iris was predeceased by her beloved husband of 52 years, Tom
Barnhill, on January 26, 2004. A very independent person, she
continued to live in and upkeep her own home for 15 years until she
moved to Fredericton in her 90’s to be closer to
family.
Iris had a long career as a kindergarten teacher in both the
Truro and Dartmouth areas. She was clearly a very special teacher
because even in recent years she would run into past students who
shared memories of the impact she had on them. She truly
valued education and one of her favorite sayings was “Smart is
the greatest feeling.” She went back to school and
obtained an English degree while raising her three children and
teaching. Iris passed on her love of learning to
her own children and grandchildren throughout the years, and she was
very proud that all of them are university graduates.
Iris was a lifelong learner and after she retired, she took
art classes, did yoga, gardened and volunteered at the Craig Art
Gallery in Dartmouth. Always eager to pursue a new skill,
Iris continued to use a computer, cell phone, and social media to stay
in touch with people into her 90’s. Iris was a
reserved person, but she took a great interest in people, and had a
wonderful way of listening to others and connecting with
them. She loved all nature and animals, but especially her
dachshund dogs and the crows she used to feed on her back
deck.
Iris was truly loved, respected, and has left a lasting
impression on many. We are thankful for the stable and nurturing home
she gave to her family and the wonderful memories we have of her. She
lived a long and interesting life and will be greatly missed by family
and friends.
Abiding by Iris’ wishes, there will be no
Visitation or Funeral. Final arrangements are under the care
of Bishop’s Funeral Home. Donations can be made in
her memory to the Nova Scotia SPCA, PO Box 38073 STN Burnside,
Dartmouth, N.S.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Iris Jean Barnhill 1930 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Fredericton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick