Yellowknife’s Barbara Bromley, a Member of the Order of Canada known for her compassion and community spirit, has passed away.
Barbara’s son, Bob Bromley – the MLA for Weledeh – said the 88-year-old had died ‘peacefully’ on Sunday evening.
“The family would like to thank the staff of Stanton Yellowknife Hospital for their incredible care of our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother,” he said in a short statement.
A nurse and seniors’ advocate, Barbara Bromley was awarded the Order of Canada in 2000.
Her citation for that award called Bromley “the quintessential volunteer”.
It read: “Active in her community, this registered nurse was the first in the city to speak out as a proponent for the elderly.
“Whether volunteering at the hospital or with the local scouts, she is always generous with her time. Deeply committed to the city’s residents, she has been a caregiver, activist, organizer and, most importantly, a friend to many in the community.”
Bromley came to Yellowknife in 1948 as Barbara Strong, working at the Red Cross Hospital as a public health nurse.
She was at the fore of nursing in the city throughout the 1960s and 1970s, later helping to establish the Aven Manor seniors’ facility.
“I’m feeling very humble because there are a lot of other people who are just as deserving,” Bromley told Northern News Services on her appointment to the Order of Canada.
“Yellowknife has a tremendous component of volunteers.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do all the volunteering I did without the help of my family.”
Arrangements for a memorial service will be announced at a later date, once arrangements have been finalized.
