In Loving Memory of Barbara Ann Annis

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Barbara Ann Annis (nee Parks) age 75, passed away on April 23, 2024 surrounded by her family. Born on May 6, 1948 in Middleton, she was a daughter of the late Elmer and Lurleene Parks (nee McGarvie). Growing up, Barbara was part of a large close-knit family.  She enjoyed playing school with her sisters (where she was the teacher), going berry picking in the summer, and visiting family and friends.

Barbara married her husband Jim in 1969.  He was her main support through many challenges. They had three children together.  She loved being a Mom and was always there to help, encourage, and support while letting her kids make their own way. She was present for any activity, sport, or ceremony that they were involved in as their number one fan.  She was ecstatic when she was promoted to grandmother and was so grateful for the time she spent with each of her grandchildren.  She was so proud of them, and they made her tough days so much brighter.

Barbara loved spending time with her family and often hosted family parties for her large extended family and cherished those times that they were together. She had a great talent for cooking and baking. Over the years Barb enjoyed quilting, oil painting, ceramics, crochet, knitting, sewing clothing, and many other crafts.  She also liked playing a game of solitaire, 45's, crib, or later in life bridge. Barb had a keen interest in plants and gardening.  You would often find her tending to her very extensive flower gardens, large vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and berry bushes.

She was a graduate of the Nova Scotia Teacher's College and loved working with children. Barbara took a break from teaching when her own children were small. She had a very fulfilling teaching career as an elementary educator at Nictaux Falls School, Lawrencetown Consolidated, Margaretville Elementary, Springfield Consolidated, Annapolis East Elementary, and Dwight Ross School. After she retired from teaching, Barbara ran a ceramics business with her sister.

She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, James (Jim), son Jamie Annis (Carrie) South Farmington, NS, daughter Lora Gosse (Graham) Wilmot, NS, and son Matthew Annis (Carlee) Arcola, SK. She was a beloved grandmother to Hunter Annis, Cooper Annis, Keenan Annis, Daniel Gosse (Caelum), Taylor Gosse (Jillian Bateman), Myles Gosse, Lillian Gosse, Maddax Annis, Elsja Annis, and great-grandchildren Maliyah and Kaynen Gosse. She is also survived by her sisters Marie Nixon (Bill), Freda Bell, Joan Bell (Graham), Donna Hatt, Carolyn Parks (Mike Pineo), brother Terry Parks (Susan), sisters-in-law Lorna Copp (Donald), Dorothy Annis, and Rose Longley, and many nieces and nephews.  Along with her parents, she was pre-deceased by her sister Patricia Richter, brother Hugh Parks, father-in-law Harold Annis, brother-in-law Alfred Longley, and sister-in-law Geraldine Annis.

Barbara's journey touched the lives of all who knew her, she was always willing to keep trying and fought until the end. The family would like to thank the Oncology team at VRH, the Palliative Care team, the Continuing Care team, Dr. M. Saxon, the numerous VON nurses who visited Barb, the EMTs for their care, the Emergency Room Staff at VRH, and the Valley Hospice staff.

The funeral service to honor and celebrate Barbara's life will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., toll free: 1-855-825-3448. Rev. Jeff Milne officiating. Interment will take place in Nictaux Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Valley Hospice Foundation or the breakfast programs at Middleton Regional High School and Annapolis East Elementary School. The online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com