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
Terry
Please accept our sincere condolences. Barbara’s passing is still hard to believe, after almost three decades of knowing her.
We will miss our alternating lunches, the Victoria Symphony, and the Phoenix Theatre. In particular, Tonia will miss those long phone calls as a substitute for visiting during Covid.
There was never a dull moment when Barbara was around.
We will miss her presence in our lives.
Much love from Tonia Rushall and John Stonehouse
There is a hole in the world. Barbara was such a bright being in every sense.It was such a delight to have daily chats with her at the college in the old days. Her energy and enthusiasm for the students and the subjects she taught showed how she valued both.
She was also a most supportive (and fun!)friend. I will miss our decades-long exchange of handwritten notes.
Deep condolences to Terry and family.
Jane Douglas
Denise Marquis
I will remember Barbara for all the beautiful things she loved such as books and art and all the lovely birds and flowers in her Victoria garden. She loved her home with its white picket fence and her cat Blackie. She took pleasure in corresponding with friends and in celebrating holidays. She enjoyed decorating her Christmas tree with ornaments of birds. She loved Terry and the life they led. In her last e-mail she remembered the beautiful autumns in Ottawa……”the colours of the trees and the bright, clear light.”
Barbara loved much and was much loved.
Rest in peace, Denise
John Minhinnick
Very sad to hear of Barbara’s death. I remember her vividly and the many happy hours sharing office space and attending meetings of one kind or another with her at Heritage. She was unfailingly cheerful, helpful, competent and fair. She added much to the lives of all of us at the College.
Condolences to Terry.
In 1983 I was interviewed by her for a part-time teaching job for two philosophy courses at Heritage College in old Hull campus. Her gentle and calm smile was a welcoming sign to make a nervous Iranian student from Ottawa university at ease. Her room that she shared with Terry and Gene next to a office I was sharing with Bill next door guaranteed me that I would not be deprived of her beautiful smiles until we moved to a new building. Memories of her life will and should comfort Terry and fill her physical absence in his life.
Lon & Patti Noel
We have fond memories of our trip to Victoria and will always remember Barbara as a wonderful and interesting hostess and person- warm, intelligent and delightful to visit with.
Our best to you Terry.
To my friend of 50 years: Ave atque vale. Our friendship was one of the great, overarching and enriching events in my life.
We are very sad to hear about Barbara’s passing. She was a most accomplished and intelligent woman. Mara, our daughter, was very much influenced by her. She took her first degree in Art History because of Barbara’s inspired teaching. To Terry and family our condolences. Al & Caroline Pollock
Jan Van de Vyvere
Barbara was brilliant. She was humane, intelligent and joyous. When I was with her, I felt special, not because I am, but because she was. I enjoyed her company, valued her opinion and will miss her very much.
I send my condolences to her family, especially Terry.
Barbara was a beautiful person, as well as witty and wise, honest and caring. I always admired her. When I think of Barbara, it puts a smile on my face.
Virtual, heartfelt hugs to you Terry.