Barbara Poole, Edmonton philanthropist and arts supporter, passed away on December 17th. She was 83.

The Poole family name is synonymous with giving in the Edmonton community. Mrs. Poole was a benefactor to many arts organizations, including Edmonton theatre companies and events.

Edmonton mayor Stephen Mandel proclaimed Barbara Poole Day at a lunch in her honour at the Hotel MacDonald on November 27. “Edmonton would not be Edmonton without the Poole family,” Mandel said Monday. “Barb was a wonderful person: warm, just so affable, and just so full of life.”

Read the news story published in the Edmonton Journal here.

Read a tribute by Edmonton columnist Paula Simons here.

View a photo gallery of Mrs. Poole here.

Theatre Alberta would like to offer our condolences to friends and family of Barbara Poole.