She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes.
So might Lord Byron have written of Barbara Chase. She was born in Beverly, Massachusetts, daughter and only child of Frederick and Gertrude Chase. She grew up in Topsfield, a small village north of Boston. Barbara was not only beautiful: she was also clever. She did a BA and an MA at Boston University, and a Ph.D. in Medieval Literature at the University of Ottawa. It was there that she met her husband of 43 years, Terrence (Terry) Keough. She taught English and American Literature and History of Art throughout her career at Heritage College in Hull (Gatineau), Quebec, where she was hugely popular with her students, teaching colleagues, and other personnel. To know her was to love her. By choice, she had no children. Barbara died of cancer in Victoria, which had been her home since she retired in 1993. She is survived by her husband and various relatives in Massachusetts and here in BC. Respecting her request, there will be no service. Interment will be in Royal Oak Burial Park, where she will await a continuation of the companionship of her husband. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com.
32 Responses
When last we saw each other, she was so vibrant. It will always be Terry & Barbara. I have fond memories of you both and wish you peace in this time of loss.
Terry, so sorry to hear this. Terry, be strong like her, I’m sure it will be hard. You guys were the best neighbors, friends, and godparents to 2 of our children. Goodbye Barbara.
She never allowed her formidable intellect to supersede her warmth and humanity—but nor would she let me get away with saying stupid things. Thank you, Barbara, for the hours of good conversation and company over the years.
Terry,
I’m so very sorry to hear of Barbara’s passing. As you know, you both played a significant role in my life when I needed that support most. I honestly don’t know where I would have ended up without both of you. I always knew I could count on you for sage advice and guidance. Having benefitted so much from your kindness, I’ve made a point of trying to help others in the same way.
Barbara was a great role model for young women: brilliant, funny, kind and fair. She was also a wonderful teacher (as were you). I will miss her kindness and generosity of spirit. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Anne Marie Laurin
Didn’t really know her, but I remember going to Aunt Gertudes house and meeting her. She was a very nice person. Sorry for your lose.
I am sorry for your loss colleen, I still remember going to visit when we were in Ottawa for the union.
Terry
I am so sorry to hear your news about Barbara. She looked a lovely lady and obviously made you very happy. Cancer is such a bastard. My thought are with you. So so sorry.
Love
Lynne xx
Barbara was big part of my life as a young person starting university far from home in Beautiful BC. Like my own mom, Barbara was a confident and accomplished woman (so it was no surprise to me that they were long-time friends). She inspired me to study hard, enjoy the campus experience, and try to get better at Jeopardy (it takes a strong sense of self worth to watch Jeopardy with someone as clever and well-educated as Barbara). She looked out for me like I was one of her own — I crashed in the flat downstairs, she fed me up at Thanksgiving, she let me store mountains of my junk in her basement in the summers, and she kept me up on Victoria politics and neighbourhood gossip. I can still see Barbara waving to me from the porch of her home with Terry, wearing a cozy sweater and telling me to be sure to email. She always signed her emails “Much love, Barbara” and I loved Barbara right back. My condolences to her whole family, and especially to Terry — I love you too.
Farewell, Barbara. Rest easy, wherever you may be. Larry
Barbara was a wonderful person who made the world a much better place. My thoughts are with Terry and family.