Obituary of Barbara Ann Marks

Marks, Barbara

It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of Barbara Marks, announce her passing at home on Tuesday, May 30^th, 2023, at the age of 81.  Barb was born in Moncton in 1942 to the late Ivan Cecil and Bessie Madeline (Farris) Steeves.

Barb is survived by Cliff her loving husband of 59 years, her son Bryan of Halifax, as well as daughters- in-law Moira of Halifax, and Sandy of Toronto. She will be lovingly remembered by grandchildren Matthew (Leighann) and Julia, sisters-in-law Diane (David) Fletcher and Judy Dunnett, as well as cousins Heather (David) Perritt, Mary MacMulkin, Roger Baird, Douglas (Pam) Baird, David (Penny) Dempsey, Linda (Donald) Savoie, Robert (Katherine) Dempsey, Brenda Dempsey (Alan) and Susan Szczechura (Rick). She will be dearly missed by her “nieces and nephews”, and her dear friend Georgina Poulin.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her son Bill.

Barb graduated from Moncton High School. She went on to study at Mount Allison University where she earned a BSc in Chemistry as well as studying organ. She went on to work as a chemist for Customs and Excise in Ottawa as well as the Victoria Public Hospital and Federal Agricultural Research Station in Fredericton.

Barb married Clifford in 1964 and moved to Fredericton where they started a family. Barb had been involved in music her entire life from choirs, accompanist and teaching, and was involved in music festivals as a participant, teacher and adjudicator. She began a second career slightly different from chemistry when she began teaching piano. She had a passion for working with young people and for over 50 years, hundreds of students were taught by Mrs. Marks.  Many of her students won awards and several have gone on to pursue a career in music. Barb was an active member of the Fredericton Music Teachers Association, as well as the New Brunswick Registered Music Teachers Federation.

Barb was a wonderful cook and enjoyed entertaining friends and family. She was an avid knitter and loved making scrapbooks of her travels with Cliff. Barb was also an enthusiastic bridge player and was a member of a two-table bridge club for over 50 years.

Barb will be dearly missed by her family and friends as well as the music community.

A celebration of Barb’s life will be held at the J.A. McAdam Memorial Chapel on Monday, June 5^th, 2023, at 2 pm, with Mary Tingley officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream will be available at the following link, https://vimeo.com/832360237. A gathering to share stories and memories will follow the celebration at McAdam’s Funeral Home.

For those who wish, donations in Barb’s memory may be made to the Fredericton Music Festival, Canadian Cancer Society, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.