Mrs. Mary Barbara (Keon) Richard, 74, of Main St. Bathurst, passed away on Saturday (October 25, 2003) at the Chaleur Regional Hospital, Bathurst, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on September 6, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, USA. Barbar was the daughter of the late Thomas Peter and Irene (McCool) Keon.
Barbara graduated from the University of Ottawa in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. At the age of 52, she returned to study at St. Thomas University in 1983 to obtain her Bachelor of Education degree. She worked as an educator for many years in several schools throughout the Bathurst area until the age of 65. In addition to her duties as a teacher, Barbara also cared for students from Miscou Island who traveled to Bathurst for their high school years. After her teaching career ended, Barbara owned and operated The Harbour Inn, a Bed and Breakfast which she established in the family homestead. Barb was also a member of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic Women's League.
Barb was pre-deceased by her husband, Clovis J. Richard, in 1984, and is survived by 5 children:
1 Son:
Marc Richard (Karen) of Bathurst
4 Daughters:
Sharon Walsh (Joe) of Bathurst
Margot Payne (Dawson) of Stonehaven, NB
Barbara Jane Russell (Ken) of Trenton, ON
Cynthia Richard of Bathurst
Barb is also survived by her siblings:
1 Brother:
Dr. Thomas Keon (Janice) of Philadelphia, PA, USA
2 Sisters:
Marg Bondy (Maurice) of Chatham, ON
Marie Barbara (Lloyd) of Toronto, ON
Barb leaves behind the legacy of 9 grandchildren; Lara, Jordan, Fiona, Kyle, Kirk, Fraser, Olivia, Rebecca and Kathleen.
Several nieces and nephews.
The body is resting at Elhatton's Funeral Home, Bathurst. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday afternoon (October 28, 2003) at 4:00 p.m. from the Sacred Heart Cathedral, St. Andrew St., Bathurst. Burial will be in the parish cemetery, King Ave.