On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Barbara “Barb” Anne Mickels neé Kirkman, passed away at the age of 86 years of age in Kamloops, BC.

Barb was the beloved Mom of Jackie Miller and Cathy Hirst, “Nanny” to her grandchildren Amanda Miller (Darren), Michelle Miller (Adam), Katie Miller (Cody) , Brock Hirst (Amanda) and Chantal Hirst, Auntie to Denise and Scott Cawdell (Cindy)  and “Great Nanny” to Abigail Slager and Maeve Keeping.   She was pre-deceased by the love of her life, Peter Mickels, as well as her beloved sister and best friend, Mabel Cawdell, her Mom,  Katherine (Kate) Kirkman and her Daddy, Charles Kirkman, all of whom she has missed dearly for years.

Barb will always be remembered by her friends and family for so many things, not the least of which was the incredible laugh she had when something struck her as funny.  In her younger years, she loved to tip a pint or two and there are great stories that many of her family and friends share about how much she enjoyed having fun.   She always spent as much time with her family as she could and once she became “Nanny”,  she delighted in being with her grandchildren as much as she was able to.   She was “Nanny on the bus” when she lived in Burnaby and her grandchildren lived in Hope and they all remember waiting at the bus stop for her to arrive for the weekend.   To all of her grandchildren, she was a confidante, a friend, a staunch and constant supporter and sometimes – the cellar dweller.   To her friends,  she offered her  wisdom and a lifetime of experience and her laughter.

Barb was ahead of her time, progressive in her thoughts, curious about the world around her, well-read and immensely strong and determined.  She made an impact on those who shared her world,  whether family or friends, by being supportive, compassionate and kind. She could always be counted on to step up when someone she cared about needed her help and she was always able and willing to cut to the chase and call a spade a spade.  She was no-nonsense, didn’t suffer fools gladly and had no hesitation in speaking her mind.

We will all miss her smiles, her laughter, her love and we are so much better for having experienced her love in our lifetime.
We will miss her daily and forever.  Rest easy, Mom… you are loved. 

Condolences may be sent to the family at
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com