Obituary

Barbara ‘Barb’ Ann (Louis) LaClair was born to Ernest Lewis & Andora William on November 24, 1946, in Mission, British Columbia, and passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones, on January 8, 2024, in Bellingham, Washington at the age of 77.

Barbara was a residential school survivor, surviving St. Mary’s Residential School in Mission B.C.

She met William LaClair at a dance at Harrison Mills, near Chehalis B.C. The family shared, that William told Barb, “When you hear my guitar, come on over.” They later wed on December 17, 1965, in Bellingham, Washington. William worked on the railroad, so they moved with his work.

Barb enjoyed beading, gardening, watching and playing softball. the family shared that she was known for “her mean pitch.” She attended college, worked at the fish cannery and was a forklift driver.  She was a homemaker and the matriarch of her family, a caretaker who took care of and loved so many.  Barb had a special sparkle in her eye when she talked about her grandsons and great grandbabies and loved them so very much.

Barb was always and will be remembered as the “Best Grandma ever.”

Barb is survived by her daughter DeeAnna LaClair; siblings: Ernie Louis, Lorraine Lewis, Evelyn Bozak, Albina Bozak, Valerie Sabyan, and Allan Sabyan; grandsons: Douglas Bob and Russell Bob; great grandsons: Marc Bob and Ryker Bob; great granddaughters: Anna Bob, Renee Bob and Tori Bob; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones.

Barb was preceded in death by her husband William LaClair; daughter Kassandra LaClair; parents: Ernest Lewis & Andora William; sisters: Bonita Blakeborough, Sarah Oliver, Dorothy Louis and Alana Rooke.

There will be a prayer service held on Wednesday, January 10^th, 2024 at 6:00pm at Wexliem and a funeral service on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 10:00am at Wexliem with burial to follow at Lummi Nation Cemetery.