Obituary of Barbara McCluskey

It is with great sadness that the family of Barbara Dawn McCluskey announces her passing on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, NB. Barbara passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Saviour, surrounded by her family. Born in Saint John, NB, on May 27, 1937, she was a daughter of the late Joseph Albert and Dorothy Mae Lee.

Barbara graduated as valedictorian of her business class at Saint John Vocational School. Her career included positions at the Saint John Red Cross, Cochran Homes, John Searle Agencies, and Cedar Ridge Park Development. For decades she joyfully served her church and many community organizations, using her gift of hospitality to bless young and old alike. Barbara cherished the winters she spent in Florida, where she made many lifelong friends.

She will be deeply missed by her children: Cindy Witt (Steve) of Brunswick, OH; Rob Searle (Daisy Pumphrey) of Dartmouth, NS; Beverly Reid (Peter) of Nauwigewauk, NB; and Duane Searle of Devon, AB; step-children Diane Arthurs (Gary) of Saint John, NB, and Rick Searle of Victoria, BC; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brother Douglas Lee (Joyce) of Quispamsis, NB; and sisters Nancy McKay (Edwin) of Quispamsis, NB, and Sandra Bent (Joe) of Belleisle Creek, NB; sister-in-law Muriel Lee of Newcastle, ON, and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Barbara was predeceased by her husband, John P. Searle, and her brother, Calvin Lee.

Arrangements are entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB, where the visitation will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 4–7 p.m. The funeral service will take place at Reid’s Funeral Home on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Donations in Barbara's memory may be made to the Hampton Food Bank or Hydrating Humanity (hydratinghumanity.org)