It is with deep sadness that we announce that Barbara Pamela Bellavance (née Lowes) earned her wings on June 27, 2026, in Cranbrook, British Columbia, at the age of 85, after a brief fight with cancer.

Barbara was born on May 7, 1941, in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, to Frank and Peggy Lowes. She was raised in Kimberley, British Columbia, where she grew up surrounded by family and lifelong friends. In 1958, during Kimberley’s Centennial celebrations, Barb was honoured as a Snow Fiesta Princess—a distinction she remembered with pride.

While working at Crestbrook Forest Industries in Cranbrook, Barb met Gene Bellavance, who would become her beloved husband. Together they built a life filled with love and adventure, beginning when Barb lovingly embraced the role of mother to “wee Marnée.” Their family was completed with the arrival of their son, Gregory. The family later moved to the Lower Mainland, eventually settling into the unique adventure of life aboard a houseboat in Queensborough, New Westminster—a chapter filled with memories that would be cherished for years to come.

Barb dedicated herself to every role she undertook. Throughout her working years she was a valued employee at Radiation Development, Lonetree Kitchens, and finally White Rock Utilities, where she remained until her retirement.

Family was the centre of Barb’s world. She is lovingly remembered by her beloved son, Gregory Bellavance (Kymberly), and her cherished grandchildren, Alexa (Aliah), Kyle, Cassidy, and Maya (Aidan). She will also be deeply missed by her stepdaughter, Marnée Bellavance, and grandchildren Rae-Anne (Roger), Ashlée, and Jake. Barb was a proud great-grandmother to Gene, Lukas, William, Sawyer, Emelia and Benson.

She is also survived by her brothers, Lawrence Lowes and Bryan Lowes (Lynne); her nephews Joe (Charlene) and Michael (Shanna); her nieces Tammy (Tony), Kim (Andrew), Andrea (Greg) and Sarah (Kevin); and many beloved cousins across Canada and around the world.

Barb found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She adored cats – whether curled up on her lap or displayed as one of the many cat figurines she lovingly collected. She had a remarkable gift for making others feel remembered and appreciated. Birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions rarely passed without one of Barb’s thoughtfully chosen cards arriving in the mail, each carrying her love and best wishes.

She was also a lifelong Elvis fan, proudly telling the story of meeting him when she was just sixteen years old – a memory she treasured for the rest of her life.

Many who knew Barb will remember her farewell: “Watch out for the idiots.” It was her practical, loving way of saying, “I love you. Drive safely. Come home to me.”

At Barb’s request, there will be no formal service. Her ashes will be interred with her beloved parents at Kimberley Cemetery, followed at a later date by “a gathering in a back yard.” She requested Amazing Grace, Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, and all the Elvis we can stand.

For those wishing to honour Barb’s memory, please consider donating to your local children’s hospital or children’s charity, reflecting the quiet generosity she showed throughout her life.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Barb’s dear friends at Joseph Creek Village for their friendship, kindness, and care, and to the physicians, nurses, and staff of the third floor at East Kootenay Regional Hospital for the compassion and dignity they showed Barb and her family during her final days.

Barbara leaves behind a family that is richer for having been loved by her. Every birthday card, every laugh, every Elvis song, every cat figurine, and every heartfelt farewell of “Watch out for the idiots” will continue to remind us that love lives on in the little things. Though she is gone from our sight, she will forever remain in our hearts.

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