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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
HOWARTH, Barbara Lorraine (HITCHEN, KNOWLES) - Barbara passed away quietly and peacefully on January 4, 2023 at the great age of 97 years, 7 months, one of the last of the Canadian Navy Wrens to serve in World War Two. Although born in Nanaimo, BC, on June 20, 1925, Barbara mostly spent her childhood in Hedley, BC with her parents, Doris and William Knowles and her siblings, Don, May and Wilma. (All except Wilma have predeceased her.) As soon as she completed high school, Barbara joined the Royal Canadian Navy and was stationed in Halifax, NS where she served as a nurse in the Naval Hospital during WW2. After the war, she and her husband, Charles Hitchen, settled in Victoria to raise their family. Barbara married again in 1970 to William (Bill) Howarth. They subsequently moved to Lake Cowichan, BC, where she taught elementary school at Stanley Gordon Elementary until her retirement. They retired in Summerland, BC in 1987 where she happily pursued her lifelong passion for gardening and watercolours. She was a member of St. Stephen's Anglican Church Congregation and member of the A.C.W. Auxiliary for many years, selling her garden produce every Sunday to help raise funds for the new church hall. Eventually Barbara moved to Summerland Seniors Village where she made many friends among the residents and staff and loved her view from her windows of the ever changing seasons on Giant's Head Mountain Park. Barbara is survived by her children, Gail Mulloy, Ron Hitchen, Debbie Jean Bell; daugher in law, Brenda Hitchen; grandchildren, Matthew, Laura, Amy and Katie; 5 great grandchildren and her sister, Wilma McIldoon.The family is very grateful for the dedicated care given to Mom by her caregiver, Bridget Haight, the amazing staff at the Summerland Seniors Village and the nurses at Moog & Friends Hospice in Penticton. A church service and reception for Barbara will be held in Summerland at a date to be decided later this Spring when travelling is easier and a safer for everyone. (The Okanagan Valley Newspaper Group 28 Jan 2023)
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