March 17, 1965 ~ October 24, 2026 (age 61)
Barbara Patricia (Baker) Hapgood, lovingly known to so many as Barb, passed away on October 24, 2026, in Saint John, New Brunswick, at the age of 61. Born on March 17, 1965, at the Cottage Hospital in Harbour Breton, Newfoundland, she was the daughter of the late Aloysius and Clara (Power) Baker. Barb was a vibrant, caring, and unforgettable woman whose bubbly personality, generous heart, and gift for making connections left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Barb was truly the life of the party. Her warmth, humour, and infectious spirit brought people together, making strangers feel like friends and friends feel like family. She had an enormous circle of friends, and the friendships she formed were genuine, meaningful, and enduring. Barb had a special way of making people feel seen, heard, and loved. She never hesitated to offer a listening ear, a comforting word, or a helping hand. Her empathy and compassion extended far beyond her own family; she was a mother figure to many, always ready to welcome others into her heart.
Barb’s greatest love was her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a cherished friend who took immense pride in keeping up with those she loved. She had a special place in her heart for her Newfoundland roots and treasured staying connected with family back home. No matter how busy life became or how many people filled her world, her family remained at the centre of it all. Her love was constant, her loyalty unwavering, and her presence a source of comfort and joy to those closest to her.
Barb shared 40 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Paul, building a life filled with love, memories, laughter, and countless moments that will be treasured forever. She was a proud and devoted mother to Christian (Keisha) and Daniel (Hannah), who were among her greatest joys. Her love for them was boundless, and the care she gave her own children naturally reached many others who were fortunate enough to be welcomed into her life.
A talented knitter and crafter, Barb found joy in creating things with her hands and sharing that creativity with others. Whether through a thoughtful handmade gift, a heartfelt conversation, or simply being there when someone needed her, she had a remarkable way of showing people how much they mattered. Her greatest creations, however, were the relationships she nurtured and the sense of belonging she gave to everyone around her.
Throughout her working life, Barb held positions as a File Clerk with the RCMP, the Crown Attorney’s office, and the Saint John Regional Hospital, and as a Human Resources Assistant with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. She brought her warmth and personable nature to everyone she encountered in her work.
Barb will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 40 years, Paul; her children, Christian (Keisha) and Daniel (Hannah); her brothers, Aloysius Baker, Bernard Baker (Lisa), and Terry Baker (Tammy); and her sisters, Frances Hunt (John), Madonna Skinner (Don), Joyce Yager (John), and Carolyn Collins (Shane).
She will also be deeply missed by her brothers-in-law, Todd Hapgood (Laura Lee) and Jonathan Hapgood (Carla); her sisters-in-law, Melanie Humby (Guy) and Phyllis Hapgood; and her mother-in-law, Margaret Hapgood. Barb leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom held an extraordinary place in her heart.
She will be fondly remembered by her many close friends, especially Mike and Eleanor Brooks, Shelly Baggs, Joanne Jamer, and Catherine Walsh, whose friendships meant so much to her. She will also be missed by her faithful canine companion, Lenny, who brought her so much joy.
In addition to her parents, Barb was predeceased by her mother and father, Clara and Aloysius Baker, great-nephew, Darian Hunt, brother-in-law Joe Skinner, and her father-in-law, Melvin Hapgood.
Barb leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by years alone, but by the countless lives she touched, the friendships she nurtured, and the love she gave so freely. She made life brighter simply by being part of it. Though her absence will be deeply felt, her laughter will echo in the memories shared, her kindness will live on in the people she cared for, and her love will remain woven into the hearts of her family and friends.
In keeping with the way Barb lived her life, surrounded by the people she loved and always bringing others together, her life will be celebrated in the company of family and friends.
A Celebration of Barb’s Life will be held at Fundy Funeral Home (Reception Center) on Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with prayers and words of remembrance to be shared at 6:00 p.m. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather, share stories, remember the laughter, and celebrate a woman whose life was defined by love, friendship, and the joy of bringing people together. Arrangements have been entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John, NB, (506) 646-2424.
In Barb’s memory, donations may be made to Heart & Stroke or to Childhood Cancer Canada, which supports research and programs for children and families affected by childhood cancer.
Barb’s life was a gift to so many. She will be missed beyond words, remembered with endless love, and celebrated always.
