Barbara Joan was born in Chesley on Sunday, June 20, 1943, to proud parents Clarence and Margaret (Baker) Nightingale. She soon welcomed younger siblings, Brenda, Ron, and Lori. The Nightingale family resided in Chesley where Barb attended both public and high school. Upon graduation, she took a job at Heirloom Furniture Factory.
It was around this time that Barb met Ed Albright, and they later married. Together, they welcomed their son, Raymond in 1963. By this time the family owned and operated a farm in Sullivan Township, near Marmion, where Ray enjoyed his childhood. Barb was always an animal lover, but it was during this period of her life that she was introduced to a wide variety of farm animals, and she took a real liking to horses. In fact, through the years she owned a few horses, with her beloved Rebel always being a favourite. Unfortunately, Barb and Ed, went their separate ways in the early 70’s and Barb relocated to the Milton area and found work as a housekeeper. It was here, where she was introduced to a man by the name of Thomas E. Cowie. They began dating in the mid 70’s and married a few years later, before relocating back to Chesley and settling into a new home just east of town.
Barb quickly settled back into the community, along with Tom, and she soon began working as a server at the Chesley Hotel. She enjoyed visiting and catching up with her patrons and members of the community. Barb later joined step-daughter Tammy at the Mac’s Convenience Store in Walkerton, as a clerk, where she remained until her retirement.
She was a lifelong member of the Chesley Legion as well as a proud member of the Chesley Band, as a drummer. Back at home, she enjoyed spending time with Tom and her fur-babies. Barb was never without a four-legged companion during her life, and enjoyed a variety of Collies, Fox Terriers, Bichon Frise, and Dachshunds through the years, with Mookie, Schultz, Daisy, and Sarge being favourites.
Sadly, tragedy struck Barb and family in September of 2001, when Tom died suddenly as a result of an accident. This loss was extremely difficult for all involved and everyone came together to support one another, especially Barb. However, she was never one to be kept down, and in 2003, while attending a dance at the Durham Legion, Barb was introduced to a gentleman by the name of Thomas Charles William McClocklin. In time they began seeing each other before becoming a couple. In 2006, Tom moved in with Barb, and they remained on the property on the outskirts of town before downsizing to a smaller home and property in Chesley several years ago.
Barb was an avid reader, with a particular fondness for true crime, biographies, and documentaries. When not reading she could often be found watching similar programming on television, with the likes of Criminal Minds, and sports, particularly the Blue Jays, being favourites. Danny Janssen and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. were her guys, and she was a proud and loud supporter. Barb also appreciated music, and it didn’t matter if it was old hymns, or the likes of some of her country favourites, like George Jones, Charley Pride or Conway Twitty, she always enjoyed being surrounded by music. In more recent years, together with Tom, they enjoyed spending time at the trailer in Port Elgin. It was also a well known fact, that Barb preferred the cooler, fall months, and had a particular fondness for smoked sausage (which she shared with Ray) and baked potatoes – which she never passed up!
Our health always catches up with us as we age, and Barb was no exception. However, she was also known to be a tad bit stubborn too, sound familiar anyone? All joking aside Barb dealt with her fair share of health challenges in recent years but always rebounded. Sadly, that was not meant to be last Friday, when she passed away suddenly at South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Chesley on Friday, October 4, 2024, in her 82nd year.
Barb was the beloved friend and partner of Tom McClocklin. Mother of Ray (Darlene) Albright of Springwater and grandmother of D’Arsiah “Darcy” Albright. Barb will be dearly missed by her stepchildren, Tammy Depencier of Owen Sound, Robert (Eileen) Cowie of Avon, N.Y., Dawn (James) Smith of Kentville, N.S., and step-daughter-in-law, Mary Cowie of Rochester, N.Y, as well as their entire families. She is survived by her sister Lori Martin of Chesley and will be fondly remembered by the entire McClocklin family. Barb was predeceased by her husband Thomas Cowie, sister Brenda (John) Dirstein, brother Ron Nightingale, stepson Thomas Cowie and her parents Clarence and Margaret (Baker) Nightingale.
A graveside service honouring Barb’s life will be held at the Chesley Cemetery on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Ontario SPCA and Humane Society or International Fund for Animal Welfare would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
On behalf of everyone at IFAW, we extend our condolences to the family and friends of Barb. Barb has been a wonderful supporter to IFAW, animals and the environment for 26 years. We are so grateful for all the good she has done in the world.
I am saddened to hear of Barb’s passing. I built a house for Barb, she was a wonderful client and I enjoyed working for Barb. To Tammy and the entire family, I am sorry for your loss. May your treasured memories comfort you at this time.
Thinking of you, Raymond & family in this time of the loss of your mother & grandmother….
Our condolences to Ray Darlene Darcy and Lori on the passing of Barb cherish the memories
So very sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. Our condolences to the Family. Cherish the memories.
Dear Lorrie my heart hurts for you. She will aways be my aunt Barb! I loved her so much growing up she was there when I needed an ear. Dad always thought a lot of Barb & vice versa dad.. Raymond and family my Deepest Condolences. Aunt Barb was a special lady to me.
Husband Wayne & I send our love our prayers 🙏❤️💐
Dear Lori. Sad to hear of Barb’s passing. We enjoyed having her play for the Chesley Band and shared many happy memories. May she rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to your family. Always a great visit with Barb when I would see here?
Our condolences to all families .
BARB we were such great friends, you stood up in my wedding went on trips,we had such fun together, I will miss you so much my friend .R.I.P
See you up there girl
To The Families of Barb:
Sorry to hear of the passing of Barb, may the memories be strong in the days to come.
Our condolences to the entire family at this time of great loss. Many memories of time spent over the years with you all .
Raymond and family, Lori and family,
My condolences to your families with the loss of your mom and sister.
We are sorry to hear about Barb she was a good friend and band members and someone to talk to when you are down she was a good listener we are going to miss her a lot.
My deepest sympathy to all the family
I am very very sorry to learn of Barb’s passing. Through our business dealings, with Barb and her first husband, Tom, became good friends. Even tho, we have not seen each other for a while, I still think of her very warmly. RIP Barb.
Sorry to hear of Barbs passing. I liked our little chats when we saw each other. I know we will all miss her. Sympathy to all.