May 8, 1957 - Jan. 15, 2012
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara-Ann Blanchette. She passed away on the evening of January 15th, 2012 in the Chilliwack General Hospital after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
For everyone that knew Barb, she was a source of hope, inspiration, and support. Barb had a contagious zest for life, which brought her a lifetime of exciting travels, gourmet food, and years of laughter with friends and family. Barb will be greatly missed, but not forgotten, as her positive spirit remained constant throughout her life, and it remains with us in her legacy.
Barb was recently awarded her honourary MSc in Nursing from UBC. She demonstrated her commitment in this field through her dedicated work as a nursing manager and her role in developing the new emergency department in the Chilliwack General Hospital.
In honour of Barb’s contributions to critical care and specifically to carry on her passion for improving emergency care in the community, Barb’s family has established the Barb Blanchette Fund through the Fraser Valley Health Care (FVHC) foundation. It will fund continuing education for emergency staff at the Chilliwack General Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made payable to “FVHC Foundation” Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation, c/o Chilliwack General Hospital, 45600 Menholm Road, Chilliwack, BC V2P 1P7 and indicate in the note section that it is for the “Barb Blanchette Fund”. You may also call (604) 701-4051 if you wish to use a credit card to make a donation.
Barb is survived by her husband of over 31 years, Don; her two children, Jocylene Ridgway (Ryan) and Chris Blanchette (Jenna); her mother, Iris Kitz; her sister, Brenda Tregellas (Michael); and her brother, Mitchell Kitz (Teresa, Frida - niece). Barb was pre-deceased by her father, Frank Kitz.
Prayers will be held on Thursday, January 19th, 2012, at 6:00 p.m and the funeral service on Friday, January 20th, 2012 at 11:30 a.m., both at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Chilliwack, BC. Please join the family for a Celebration of Barb’s life following the funeral at 1:00 p.m. at the Masonic Hall.
Barb will be greatly missed, but not forgotten, as her positive spirit remained constant throughout her life, and it remains with us in her legacy.
Online condolences can be left at www.hendersonsfunerals.com