Brandel, Barbara Judith (Hahn)

BRANDEL, Barbara Judith (Hahn)

April 18, 1945 – November 5, 2017

It is with deep sadness that the family of Barb Brandel announce her sudden passing at the age of 72. Barb passed peacefully in bed at her home in Nelson, BC on Sunday November 5, 2017. Barb was born April 18, 1945 in New York, NY USA. Barb was a devoted mother and grandmother, (Nana), to Aurora and Kian Turner. She was a loving daughter, sister, mom, grandma, aunt and friend.

Barb had a beautiful soul.  She was a vivacious, talkative, generous, thoughtful, humorous, intelligent, and independent woman. In her younger years, she successfully completed two university degrees simultaneously, one in science and another in mathematics. She worked in a cancer lab in New York, NY prior to moving to Canada with her husband, Norm Brandel. She lived in Vancouver, and then on a commune in Nelson for many years, and worked at numerous occupations as a tree-planter, as a teacher at Trafalgar School, in hospitality and in social services, ultimately commencing a long term career with the Government of Canada. In her later years with the government, and until retirement, Barb worked in the information technology area. During this time she had a key role in the departments’ progression to a more modern and computerized service delivery environment, and formed life-long friendships with many of her co-workers.

Barb was a free spirit, loved nature and the outdoors. She fondly reminisced of her years living out of town at the commune at Atbara, and the early years living at Apex with her daughter and Paul. She had a great sense of humour and enjoyed sharing many of her interesting stories from her youth with those close to her. She was generous, both with her time and money, having volunteered for Planned Parenthood and doing door-to-door campaigning for the United Way, amongst many other charities. Although Barb’s body and health unfortunately began failing her as a result of being hit by a car in 2007, she adamantly maintained her independence, and continued enjoying her regular outings, coffees, and lunches with friends. She would frequently spend warm afternoons on a Baker Street bench, reading in the sun or visiting with passer-by’s. Her big personality, warm smile, thoughtfulness and kind-heart touched many. She is sadly missed by all who knew her.

Barb leaves her daughter and grandson , Aurora and Kian Turner, of Nelson BC,  her mother Johanna Hahn (Meyer), (99 years), and sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Martin Wolfe of Ocean, NJ.

Also left are much loved nieces and nephews, Miriam Platt, Adam Wolfe, Ilana Wolfe, Ari Moshe Wolfe, and grandnephews and grandniece, Jacob, Zachary, and Shira, best friend Richard Tremblé, and many special friends. Barb was predeceased by her father, Manfred Hahn, her ex-husband, Norm Brandel, her partner, Paul Vlahovich, and by her very best friend, Cheryl Wileman.

Celebration of remembrance details to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers or in Barb’s memory, please light a candle and/or make a donation to a charity of your choice.