We Remember

DOLAN, Barbara Frances

April 24, 1955 — August 17, 2026

Barbara Frances Dolan passed away peacefully on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Kelowna Hospice, after a battle with breast cancer. She was comforted by her two children, who were by her side at the time of her passing.

Known for her kindness, generous spirit, and quick wit, Barbara was the anchor and heart of her family. She had a remarkable ability to bring people together, keep traditions alive, and make everyone around her feel loved.

Barbara was born on April 24, 1955, to Gerald and Ellen Dolan (née Tutty) in Southport, United Kingdom. She spent most of her youth in the UK before following her brothers to Vancouver in 1980. She was fortunate to grow up surrounded by family and friends, and that circle only continued to grow after her move to Canada.

Barbara built a successful career in publishing, work that she genuinely loved. Over the years, she worked with HarperCollins, Whitecap Books, Mint Publishing, and finally Ripley, before retiring in 2024. While she loved the work itself, it was the lifelong friendships she made along the way that she cherished most. She remained close with many of her colleagues until her passing.

Outside of her career, Barbara revelled in creativity. She was never one to turn down an out-of-the-box project and could find joy in almost anything that involved making, designing, or creating. Sewing, fundraising, art, wedding décor, crafts, and countless projects with her grandchildren were all right up her alley. Her creativity was matched only by her enthusiasm—every idea was “perfect,” and she had a way of making everyone else believe it could be, too. Her love of family sparked another lifelong passion: genealogy. Curious about where her family came from, Barbara dove in completely, tracing her family history back to the 1300s. As she did with everything she took on, she went all in.

To anyone who knew her, Barbara was the steady, loving “glue” that held the family together. She organized family dinners and reunions, kept traditions alive, and set up multi-time-zone video calls so that her family scattered around the world could still feel close. She was a proud and endlessly supportive mother and Nana to her children, Tanya (Lance) and Bobby (Kristen), and her grandchildren, Isabella, Halle, Sawyer, and Ben. Though they were her children and grandchildren, they were also her best friends.

Much of Barbara’s time and energy was spent finding ways to be close to the people she loved, including two major moves to make that possible. Together, they made years of memories: attending concerts, celebrating holidays, travelling the world, enjoying quiet weekends at home, and sharing the occasional glass of “good” champagne.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Gerard and Ellen. She is survived by her daughter Tanya, son Bobby, their spouses Lance and Kristen, and her beloved grandchildren Isabella, Halle, Sawyer, and Ben. She is lovingly remembered by her siblings Irene (Vince) Earl, Michael (Marcia) Dolan, and John (Katie) Dolan, as well as countless extended family members, friends, and colleagues whose lives were made better by knowing her.

Barbara did not wish for a traditional memorial service. Instead, she wanted to be celebrated as she lived: surrounded by the people she loved, with laughter, stories, creativity, good food, and, naturally, a bit of the “good” champagne.

Join us: Friday, December 4, 2026, at 6:00 pm, at the Port Moody Legion Club 119, 2529 Clarke St, Port Moody, BC V3H 1Z1.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the family’s CIBC Run for the Cure team or to Kelowna Hospice House in Barbara’s memory.

She was our anchor, our connection to one another, our biggest cheerleader, and our home. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

Service
Friday, December 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM

Location
Port Moody Legion Club 119

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Service Information

Service Details


The service for DOLAN, Barbara Frances is scheduled for Friday, December 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Port Moody Legion Club 119

2529 Clarke St, Port Moody, BC V3H 1Z1

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

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Frances Baum

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I liked the personal treatment given to my mother who is 97 years old. As her representative, I found Springfield employees pleasant and sincere, helpful and knowledgeable. Something I didn’t know, was that the funeral home would help me get through the paperwork need at this time. I am very thankful for that.

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Genuine concern, excellent service, very professional. Since this was my first experience (with a funeral home), everything was above and beyond what I expected.

Randy Hatanaka

Thank you to your team for your kindness to me at a very challenging time.  You have now taken care of both of my parents with professionalism and care.

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