BARBARA MAE CANNELL

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BARBARA MAE CANNELL (nee HALLS) June 9, 1929 - September 3, 2015 With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Barbara Mae Cannell. She was predeceased by her husband Douglas Cannell and parents Charlotte and Philip Halls. She is survived by her daughters Janice and Andrea and son Drew (Helen); granddaughter Brieland Rachael, and great-grandchildren Rory and Liam. Barb was born in Winnipeg where she graduated from Riverbend School (now Balmoral Hall) in 1946 and the University of Manitoba, faculty of Interior Design in 1950. Barb married Douglas Cannell September 16, 1950. The home she and Doug built in Tuxedo, where they raised their three children, was a gathering place for the many interesting people that she and Doug loved to befriend. Their gigantic oval swimming pool was the site of many wonderful pool parties. Barb was an active and valued member of the Junior League and was very much involved in the International meeting held here. Barb was a talented artist whose artistic abilities were reflected in everything she did and contributed to her success as the fashion editor for the Winnipeg Tribune. She was a fashion model, known for her wit and style, continuing in runway shows into her 70s. She was featured in a 2010 movie about the glory days of Winnipeg fashion models as the wittiest of all the great models. In 1983, and for three successive years, Barb accompanied Doug on the excavation of the forgotten city of Rio Azul, Guatemala, where she copied many of the drawings she saw there. She and Doug were featured in National Geographic. She served as chair of the Manitoba Film Classification Board and was the President of the Progressive Conservative Winnipeg South Constituency Association for several years. She was a great fan and friend of the Hon. Jean Charest and used to read his Tarot cards when he came to town. Barb was also an excellent bridge player, a jazz fan and a lover of exotic cats. Barbara Cannell was a wonderful friend and a generous mentor to many young women who still regard her as Aunty Barb. She had elegance and style and, right up to the end, she was the interesting person in any room. She will be missed by her many friends and family. A service commemorating her life will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. at Thomson Funeral Chapel, 669 Broadway. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Winnserve, Inc. Community Residence at 101-960 Portage Avenue. THOMSON Funeral Chapels - 669 Broadway Avenue, Winnipeg, MB 204-783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 12, 2015