Harmonie Christina Barkell (Nicoll)

The family of Harmonie Christina Barkell (Nicoll) is deeply saddened to announce her sudden passing on Saturday, July 11th, at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie.

Family meant everything to Harmonie, and she leaves behind a legacy of deep love and devotion. She will be profoundly missed by Brian, her beloved husband of 62 years; her sons, Lee (Melanie) and Scott (Heather); her adored grandchildren, Cassidy (Sean), Justin, Kierstin, Alexander, and Andrew; and her precious great-grandchild, Levi. She is also survived by her sister, Susan; her sisters-in-law, Pat, Shirley, and Marilyn; and many special nieces and nephews.

Harmonie was predeceased by her loving parents, Monie and Harry Nicoll, as well as her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Don Gordon, Doreen and Malcolm Doyle, Marilyn and Mitch Mitchell, Ross Barkell, Don Barkell, and Frank LaFramboise.

Harmonie grew up in Kirkland Lake, where she attended Queen Elizabeth Public School and the Kirkland Lake Collegiate and Vocational Institute (KLCVI), before attending the North Bay Teachers' College. Following a successful and fulfilling teaching career with the Kirkland Lake Board of Education, she retired in 1997 and relocated to Barrie with Brian.

A woman of remarkable achievements from an early age, Harmonie received the Gold Cord as a Girl Guide and the McDermid Award as the top student in grade eight. Her lifelong love for the water earned her the Lifeguard Award of Merit, and she was later honored for saving a life as a swimming instructor.

Harmonie lived life to the fullest. She was well known for her creativity, particularly her passion for watercolour painting and her custom, yearly pen-and-ink Charlie Brown Christmas cards. An avid outdoorswoman, she camped and travelled with Brian for over 50 years. She also enjoyed gardening, biking, hiking, and golf—often outplaying her companions with her famously straight, consistent shots down the fairway. She was an active member of Burton Avenue United Church, a dedicated member of the Royal Canadian Legion for over 50 years, and a devoted volunteer at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre for 25 years.

Above all, Harmonie loved sharing her passions with her family. She took immense joy in introducing her sons, Lee and Scott, to skiing, skating, hockey, swimming, golf, and camping, and then later in sharing camping trips and her love for golf with her grandchildren. She was always their biggest cheerleader, rarely missing a sporting event, dance recital, or graduation.

The family extends their heartfelt, eternal gratitude to Dr. Murdoch and Dr. Kotchetkov, as well as the many doctors and nurses who provided compassionate care to Harmonie through her illnesses and hospital visits.

Donations can be made on behalf of Harmonie to either Burton Avenue United Church or Hospice Simcoe.