Obituary of Barbara Ann Vessey

Barbara Ann Vessey of Riverview passed away peacefully at Monarch Hall on Friday, January 23, with her loving family by her side.

Born in Montreal, Quebec, Barbara was the daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Cashin) Donohue. She enjoyed a long and dedicated career with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, where she worked in various capacities before retiring as Accommodations Manager.

Barb spent her formative years growing up in the East end of Montreal, where she held fond memories of her time with the Boys and Girls Club. She devoted much of her spare time to training as a swimmer at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal, a sport she truly enjoyed for many years.

She later spent six treasured years living abroad, embracing the beauty, culture, and adventure of Europe—an experience she carried with her for the rest of her life. Curling was one of her great passions, and for many years she shared laughter, friendship, and unforgettable weekends away with a wonderful group of girlfriends she deeply cherished.

She found pure delight in hummingbirds and had a remarkable appreciation for beauty, reflected in her cherished Swarovski collection, where every piece held a special place in her heart—especially the most cherished pieces gifted to her by her beloved Nelson.

Barb was also known for her masterful organizational skills and her very particular ways, traits that earned her several affectionate nicknames over the years. She was witty, highly knowledgeable, and never one to shy away from a good debate—approaching most subjects with passion, conviction, and full enjoyment.

Above all, she had an abundant and unwavering love for her family, which remained the greatest joy of her life.

Barbara will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Lorretta Wooley (Mike Perry) and Colleen Ivey (Mike Doiron); her stepdaughters, Donna (Ivey) Smith and Sherri Vessey; her daughter-in-law, Bev McLean, her brothers, Terry and Gary Donohue and by her best friend and sister-in-law, Jane Munro.

She was a cherished “Nanny Barb” to Leah Ivey and Patrick MacAskill, “Nana Barb” to Paija, Teagan, and Maleck Doiron and to Garrett and Logan Vessey, and a proud “Great Grandmama” to Ethan Vessey. An adored “Auntie Barb, Barbara, or Blah Blah” to her many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was predeceased by her beloved husband, Nelson Vessey; her stepdaughter, Patricia (Patti) Ivey; her stepson, Chris Vessey, and her brothers, Kevin Donohue, Michael (Jimmy) Donohue, and Brian Donohue.

A Funeral Service will be held at Fergusons Riverview Community Chapel, 214 Pine Glen Road, Riverview, (506) 857 9544, on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11:00 am followed by a reception in the reception centre at the funeral home.  Interment will take place at Alderwood Cemetery in late spring.

Online condolences can be made online at www.fergusonsriverview.com