Mary "Carol" Barkus

With deep sadness, the family of Mary “Carol" Barkus announces her passing on December 25, 2025, at the Saint John Regional Hospital in Saint John, New Brunswick. Born in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia on January 7, 1933, she was a daughter of the late Philip and Edith (nee. Morris) Legere.

Carol was a graduate of Oulton’s Business College in 1950 and throughout her career, worked in Moncton, NB at Blue Cross, Eaton’s and retired from Modern Construction in 1988. She then relocated to Cole Harbour, NS (1988 - 1992) and then to Rothesay/Quispamsis, NB. Carol had planned to live her remaining years at Shannex, Embassy Hall in Quispamsis but sadly, her short battle with cancer changed those plans. She was an active volunteer in her communities through churches, schools, political campaigns and donated to several charities focused on helping those in need. Recently, even as dementia took hold, she still loved doing her crosswords from the papers and rarely missed a word. Carol loved a good family gathering and was always telling stories about her childhood in Parrsboro. She cherished and was very proud of her precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren who refer to her as Grammie and GG. 

Carol is survived by her son Bill (Marcia); daughters Linda Chiasson (Philippe) and Alice Bannister (Dan); grandchildren: Andrew Chiasson, Jacqueline MacKnight (Adam), Renée Chiasson and Patrick Chiasson (Lily); great grandchildren: Louis MacKnight, Joe MacKnight, and Noah Harris; sister-in-law Lois Legere; as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. 

Besides her parents, Carol was predeceased by her husband Hugh Barkus, brothers John “Pat” and his wife Althea, Peter, Paul and his wife Marion, sister Marguerite Langille and her husband Keith as well as nephews Brian and David.

The family would like to send a special thank you to the Henheffer family for their years of friendship and support. During the last year, Carol spent an extended period of time at St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Saint John Regional Hospital. Carol’s family is beyond grateful for the care and compassion provided by the staff on floors 5 and 8 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and the staff from 5BS, 3DS, and 3BN at the Saint John Regional Hospital. 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John, NB E2J 2G3; (506) 646-2424. In respecting Carol’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Carol’s life will be officiated by Pastors David Appleby and Steve Hiltz on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 1:00 PM at True Life Church (30 Vincent Rd, Quispamsis NB). Following the service there will be a reception held in the church hall. 

Under the care of Smith's Funeral Home, Carol will be laid to rest in Parrsboreo, NS in the late spring. The private grave-side service will be officiated by Pastor Doug Lake of Open Arms Baptist Church.

Donations in Carol’s memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the charity of your choice. To leave online condolences please visit Fundy Funeral Home