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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Condolences

  • Susan Travis says:
    September 1, 2026 at 9:49 pm

    Barb did indeed make sure the “good stuff” came along with her to many a gathering, like the one in the picture I’ve included. A lively gathering of the Wonderful, Wild, Whitecap Women, she was the life of the party. I will miss you but hold you in my heart & memories. From a quote I saw attributed to The Dragonfly Project:
    Little by little, we let go of loss. But never of love.
    Love you, babe.

    Reply
  • Emma Moore says:
    September 1, 2026 at 10:48 pm

    Barbara was a distant relative of mine, on my Nans side (Sarah Larkin, previously Hird). She was wonderfully helpful with my family history and always so kind and giving with her time. I wish I’d known her more as some of our conversations reflected the truly gorgeous human being she so clearly was. I’m so saddened by her passing and send much love and support to her family. She will be missed.

    Reply
  • Marian Thomas (nee Rimmer) says:
    September 2, 2026 at 7:14 am

    Sympathy and love to the ‘Dolan Clan’ who played such an important part of my life growing up.
    60 years of friendship, from the downright crazy times to the quietly loving times. Thanks Barb et al for so many amazing memories.
    My sincerest condolences on the loss of this lady ❤️💔❤️

    Reply
  • Patrick Hodgson says:
    September 8, 2026 at 1:54 am

    I remember Barbara way back at Holy Family Junior School Southport. From what I’ve read here on Facebook in her memory – the world could do with a few more Barbara Dolans – May she rest in Peace X

    Reply
  • Diane Dillon says:
    September 15, 2026 at 3:01 am

    My condolences to John and Katie and to your family for your loss. Love Di xo

    Reply

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