March 19, 1947 – May 25, 2014
With heavy hearts, the Keller family has lost their beautiful Barbara. Wife for 47 years and soul mate of Lutz, mother of Kurt (Arlana), Karen (Shawn Canning) and beloved Nana of Kailey and Koen Keller and Frederic Canning. She was sister to Bob (Myra, Kara, and Denise), Bryan (Jinirose, Christine, Robert), Betty Williams (Ken, Mark, Andrew, Jordan), Brent (Jennifer, Davis), Bonni Sprague (Chris, William, David) and Brenda Reder (Mark, Erin, Kirsten) and sister-in-law to Dagmar, Eva, Arno and Christel. She also leaves to grieve beloved friends, many of whom are in Calgary, AB, Glen Lakes, FL, and Victoria, BC.
Barb’s life was a joyful and adventurous one, always with her sweetie Lutz by her side. She was a certified fitness instructor who dedicated herself to athletic pursuits that included tennis, cycling trips, marathons, triathlons, and later on – golf. She was Ladies’ Club Champion in Glen Lakes ’05 and ’08 to ‘10. She was admired for her intelligence, sharp wit, and way with words. She continued to do the cryptic crossword very late into her illness – which won’t surprise anyone who knew her. Barbara was also known for baking outstanding pies.
While she will be remembered first and foremost for the vibrant and dynamic way she lived, Barbara also endured an unpredictable 2-year battle with cancer. As with the incredible athletic prowess that marked her life, Barbara amazed everyone with the toughness, grace and humility with which she coped during her illness.
By choice, Barb passed at home in Victoria with loved ones at her bedside. She is predeceased by her parents Nell and Robert (Bob), with whom she is now reunited.
Special thanks to Victoria Home Hospice home care and palliative teams, whose support was beyond measure. Kindness came from many, near and far, and it will never be forgotten.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Parish (2060 Haultain St., Victoria) at 12:10 pm on Saturday, May 31, followed directly after by a reception at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, (1175 Beach Drive, Victoria) in the David Foster Theatre, commencing at 1:15.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Victoria Hospice at http://www.victoriahospice.org/. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
39 Responses
We are sorry to hear about the passing of Barb. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Pete and Jan Crombie
Sorry Lutz, we just read the obituary last night. We are sincerely sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. She will be missed by all of us.
Our Deepest Sympathies.
Lutz,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family on the passing of Barb.
Sincerely,
Robin and Tino DiManno
Our sincerest condolences to Lutz and family. Barbara will certainly be remembered with deep affection by all who knew her
Barb was the most determined woman I have ever known. When she decided to do something she went all the way and with great success.
Barb and Lutz had the kind of relationship many would want to aspire to.
Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Peter and Bev
We regret to learn of the passing of Barbara Keller. She was a special lady and a superb athlete. It was a privilege to have known her and now is in the hand of the Lord.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Lutz and your family during this time of sorrow.
Dick & Margaret Hanel
Our greatest sympathy to Lutz and family, we hope you will find peace as now Barb has found peace,
Lutz and family,
My sincere sympathy in your sad loss. Barb and I first met as neighbors with young children on Hunterhaven Road in Calgary. I also enjoyed the workout in her aerobics classes at the Calgary Winter Club. Later, our paths crossed again golfing at Country Hills in our ladies’ Thursday morning group. Barb was an outstanding golfer as well as being charming, enthusiastic and a smart lady who enjoyed her friends as well as competition. She will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. Sincere condolances to all the family during this time of sorrow.
Our deepest condolence and love to Lutz, Kurt & family. Will be thinking about you and wishing you peace & comfort at this difficult times.
Sincerely,
Ken & Helen Ong
Bob: Our condolences to you and Myra and family on the loss of your sister. Wendy has lost both of her brothers and knows the pain that sibling separation brings. We think of the many memories we had, and we remember meeting your sister and husband at some point in time. Our condolences to you and your family, and the many others, especially Lutz, who share in this loss.
God Speed