Obituary of Barbara Elizabeth Wentzell

Barbara Elizabeth Wentzell Bridgewater, passed away on February 6th 2008 at South Shore Regional Hospital. Born in Worcester, Mass. February 22, 1915 she was the daughter of the late Charles and Reva Wentzell. In 1918, Barbara returned with her family to Bridgewater where she attended school and was a member of the first Grade XII graduating class at Bridgewater High School. After graduation, she moved to Halifax and held several positions with the provincial government culminating with her appointment as Deputy Registrar of Joint Stock Companies, the first female in Canada to hold this position. She then made a transition to the private sector retiring in 1983 as president of Atlantic Chemical and Supply Ltd and Scotia Instrument Co. Ltd. After a successful business career Barbara returned to Bridgewater where she pursued many personal interests. She was a founding member of “Friends of the Desbrisay Museum”, B.H.S. Education Foundation, and The Wentzel(l) Genealogy Society. She was also an active member of the Woodland Gardens Society and Foreign Protestant Memorial Committee. She is survived by sister-in-law Marie Wentzell, Bridgewater, nephews Brian Wentzell (Sharon) Bridgewater and Evan Wentzell (Deborah) Halifax and nieces Joanne Lowe (Daryl) Ottawa and Nancy LaLeune (Frank) Prospect. Also surviving are 9 grand nieces and nephews and 3 great-grand nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers, Charles and Keith, and sister-in-law Harriett. Memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 14, at 11:00am, Sweeny’s Chapel Bridgewater, Rev Eric Campbell officiating, with a reception to follow at the Bridgewater Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater, NS where online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.