Obituaries

 

Barbara Adelia Bowen (Lawrence)

Passed 1/14/2026

Text:

Obituary For Barbara Adelia Bowen (Lawrence)

BOWEN, Barbara Adelia. Nee (Lawrence). Passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, at North Wood Care Centre (Halifax, NS) at 88.

Barbara was born in April of 1937, in New Glasgow. She was predeceased by her mother Helen Lawrence and her father Thompson Dorrington. Sisters Grace Hilley, Althea Gil, and Yevette Maxwell. Also, by two grandchildren, Allison & Kevin and two great-grandchildren, Gabriella & Tristan. She is lovingly remembered by her six children, Deborah [Clifford] Perkins (Halifax), Umar Akbar (Halifax), Carol Dorrington (Montreal), Dora [Robert] Cooper (Calgary), Eric Bowen (Halifax) & Douglas Bowen (Saskatchewan). Also survived by her grandchildren Jason, David, Kimberly, Dara, Adrianna, Alisha, Yasmin, Jessica & Jonathan; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Barbara was an accomplished businesswoman. After becoming a Master Hairdresser, she went on to open her own business, BB’s Hair Salon. Which became a staple in the black community. She was a founding member of the Black Hairdressers Association of Nova Scotia, where she taught. Having been awarded recognition for her contributions to the black community from the City of Halifax, the Province of Nova Scotia, & the Federal Government of Canada, her name was read in the House of Commons.

She also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Black Beauty Culture Association. Barbara was also one of the first African Nova Scotian to be on the board of The Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia. Barbara loved writing poetry and was an avid reader. She loved all genres of music, especially Gospel and R&B. She was also an exceptionally good cook and enjoyed entertaining with family and friends.

Barbara was a devoted Christian and a faithful servant of our Lord. She often referred to this verse. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” Corinthians 5:7

The family would like to thank the staff on the 3rd. Floor of Northwood Care Center for their care and compassion our mother has received over the years. Special Thank you to R.N. Erin Ryan for her kindness.

As per Barbara’s wishes, there will be no formal service. A private Celebration of Life will be held at later date.

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Condolences

  • 01/24/2026

    Laura Desmond

    On behalf of our Desmond family, my father, Jim would take us to visit Aunt Ida, would be playing the piano softly while Aunt Barbara would tell stories. Other times we would sing and eat cookies. Just thinking about the history of our families runs long and deep. You will be missed by family friends and community.

  • 01/23/2026

    Faith States

    Sending deepest condolences to the Bowen/Lawrence families on the loss of their dear loved one Barbara. May she rest in eternal peace and may you be comforted in knowing that others are thinking of you during this difficult time. Sincerely, Faith States (Mississauga)

  • 01/23/2026

    Melissa Barron (Jewell Family)

    Rest easy cousin Barb. I used to love when you came to stay with us in New Glasgow when I was growing up, my mom would go away and you would help my dad watch us oh how I loved every minute you were around us. You were so sweet and kind and funny, I remember one time you did the laundry and somehow all the white clothes got dyed yellow 🤭 we laughed and laughed. I remember us driving to Halifax to see you up until dad was no longer able to. Love you Barb I will never forget how good you were to us. My deepest sympathies to all. Melissa, (Skip Jewell's daughter)

  • 01/22/2026

    Norma Lawrence-Domey

    On behalf of Mrs. Marion "Mickey" MacKinnon Desmond-Lawrence, and family we offer our deepest condolences to Aunt Barbara's family and friends. She was a beautiful woman inside and out! She loved her family, loved people, and loved life. Growing up, we have fond memories of her visiting us in Pembroke and in later years in Petawawa. She'd always come with a box of clothes for us children. Mom/Marion grew up with Aunt Barbara and she was Dad's (Norman "Paddy" Lawrence) niece so her visits were extra special to all of us! She was game for anything; we had a lot of fun with her! We took her Cross-Country Skiing for the first time ... lots of humourous stories from that event, Lol. We took her out to our hobby farm where we had a barbecue and took her fishing and canoeing in Dad's self-made canoe; that was hilarious. On another visit, we took her on a road trip to Winnipeg to visit Uncle Doug and family, Dad's older brother. We travelled in our Marquis with our house trailer and room for overflow in our tent. It was one of those occasions in life that you remember as a beautiful time; when we arrived, it was like a mini family reunion. We also visited her several times when she lived in Montreal; we looked forward to these summer vacations. Years later, I visited her in the nursing home in Halifax 2019; I was told not to expect too much. It warmed my heart to see a smile of recognition when I walked into her room; she didn't talk until we tried to help ourselves to the candy I brought her ... "That's my candy" she said, LoL! I am so glad that I took the time to spend with her again in 2022 as I didn't know, that would be the last time I would see her. We will cherish the beautiful memories. Aunt Barbara you've earned your rest; rest in peace🙏🏾 YOU will be missed xoxo Sincerely, Norma Lawrence-Domey

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