Submitted by Charles and Kathleen Blackadar
Barbara Harvill passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025 from complications of Parkinson’s disease after a courageous 10-year battle.
Barbara was born Barbara Belsley in 1939 in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
She graduated from Purdue University with a degree in home economics and teaching, where she met the love of her life John Harvill. After graduation they married in California and, in addition to teaching, they started a business together. She raised two daughters, Jo and Johnna, and helped John grow the business. By 1990 they had achieved their financial goals and retired.
Barbara (being an excellent shot) and John hunted around the world. From Africa to Pakistan, as well as Australia, Europe and of course, Alaska. They explored several coastal towns in Alaska before settling in Cordova in 1999.
Barbara enjoyed hunting and gardening but truly loved art. She established an art studio in Cordova and had regular meetings to work with local artists and promote their work. Several of her paintings are still on the Aurora Ferry.
Barbara is survived by her husband of over 64 years, John, and her two daughters, Jo Faris of South Carolina and Johnna Harvill of Anchorage. In lieu of flowers she would have preferred donations to the Parkinson’s foundation. Per her wishes no service is planned.
