Barbara Ellen Robinson, cherished by many as a devoted mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, friend, and beloved life partner to Ian McDonald, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2024, after suffering a stroke. She was surrounded by her family who loved her tremendously and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Barb was a deeply empathetic individual who possessed the ability to understand and hold others in their pain. She had a unique gift of making people feel safe and seen no matter their background and she was always attuned to the intricate details of her friends’ celebrations and sorrows. Her countless lifelong friendships stand as a testament to how deeply loved she was. Coupled with her nurturing heart was a playful and vibrant spirit; she adored cats and music and was always the first on the dancefloor at a party.
Other than her time studying at UBC in Vancouver, Barb was a lifelong Kamloops resident who was well-known in the community. She worked as a librarian for 17 years at Kamloops Public Library, where she touched the lives of many patrons. She previously shared her passion for learning as a teacher in several Kamloops elementary schools.
An energetic and adventurous soul, Barb enjoyed an active lifestyle for most of her years. She played tennis regularly, walked and cycled with her girlfriends, and skied any run at Sun Peaks Resort (before she decided she preferred warmer activities). Summers were spent at her family cabin at Shuswap Lake, where she created 65 years of beautiful memories. More recently, she delighted in watching tennis and treasuring moments with her beloved children and grandchildren, of whom she was immensely proud.
In addition to Ian, Barb is survived by her daughter Megan Bruneau (Adam Rosenberg), son Jordan Bruneau (Riley Bruneau), and grandchildren Lleyton, Lenore, Kaiya, Roxanne, and Cleo. She is also survived by her stepchildren Mark McDonald (Kaitlin), Katie McDonald (Paul), and Scott McDonald (Emilie), sister Jane Robinson Bond, brother-in-law Trace Bond, niece Kate Bond (Allen Roberts), nephew Sam Bond (Azucena Okie Kerr), and ex-husband and friend Robert Bruneau. She is predeceased by her father, Robert (Dicey) Robinson, mother, Beverley Robinson, and much-loved cat, Blitzen.
