Barbara Jean Cannon
May 22, 2017
Barbara Jean Cannon, age 67, passed away peacefully Monday, May 22, 2017, at her home in Des Moines. She lived with and beat diabetes every day for over 40 years.
She was born May 11, 1950, in Fargo, ND, to William Henry Morrison and Bonnie Jean (Wylie) Morrison. Barb graduated from Southwest High School in Minneapolis in 1968. She graduated from Denison University in Granville, Ohio in 1972, where she majored in biology and medical lab technology. She earned a masters degree from the University of Iowa in 1974 in Adult Education with an emphasis in Medical Education. She was an accomplished pianist and organist in high school receiving all state recognition in high school. She was an accomplished competitive synchronized swimmer in high school and college. Barb worked hard and for many, many years in the medical field diligently as an educator and leader.
Barb was also actively and passionately involved in community organizations throughout her life. She helped establish and operate a Montessori preschool attended by her sons. She was active in cub scouts and boy scouts with her boys on a local and district level. Barb served as the chapter advisor for Alpha Phi Sorority at Drake University along with district and national levels. After her retirement she operated and supervised the resident store at Luther Park where she lived.
Barb (Mom) will be remembered for her deep and enthusiastic love for her boys, her always selfless thoughts, and incredible compassion for others.
She is survived by her sons, Wylie “Daniel” (Laura) Cannon and Toby John “T.J.” (Andrea) Cannon, both of Des Moines, mother, Bonnie W. Morrison of Des Moines and brother, Robert “Bruce” Morrison of Greenville, SC. She was preceded in death by her father William H. Morrison.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held Friday at 3:00p.m. at Luther Park Community Center 1555 Hull Avenue Des Moines, IA 50316.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Boy Scouts of America.
Skol Vikings!! And Go Hawks!!!
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Judy Fletcher
08/21/2018
So sad to see this! I remember Barbara well from high school and think of her with great affection. Love and condolences to her family!
Claire Crnic
05/26/2017
Daniel and family,
My sincere condolences of the loss of your Mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and TJ.
Barb Pierce (aka Barb P)
05/26/2017
What a wonderful service to say good-bye to my dear friend and former colleague. I can relate to some of the stories that were told today. The best part is knowing that she died quietly and peacefully and was comforted, knowing her boys were where they needed to be in life.
Martha Graff Wagner
05/26/2017
I am shocked and very saddened to hear Barb passed. I worked with your mom at Mercy Health Network for many years. She was an amazing lady. I still talk about how she knew where every email was in the piles in her office. You boys are the light of her world. I will never forget the how she did everything for you boys. When I see sleigh bells I always remember how she had them hanging on the seat in her car. My thoughts and prayers are with you boys and your families.
Jo Ann Crystal
05/25/2017
So very sorry to learn about your mother's death. Barb and I worked together from 1974-78 at the Univ of IA and became dear friends. I credit her for starting me on my career path in adult education. We lost track of each other but reconnected just this holiday season and I was looking forward to getting together with her when I visited Iowa again this summer. Take comfort in knowing how she touched so many people in her life time.
Irene Coermann
05/25/2017
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I worked with Barb for a while and always enjoyed her spirit! My thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Wendy & Mark Havemann
05/24/2017
We are so sorry for your loss. Barb was always a wonderful person and we enjoyed talking with her during soccer games. Our love and prayers to you.
Jim Knauf
05/24/2017
I worked with Barb when she was with Trinity Health. She made it a point to come to my daughter's wedding and when I went to Iowa she showed me around. What a gem she was. I'm shocked and saddened to hear of her passing. My condolences and prayers are with her family and loved ones grieving her loss. Peace.
Ginny Smith
05/24/2017
So sorry for your loss. She sounds like an amazing woman and a wonderful mom.
Kathleen Digre
05/24/2017
Barb was an amazing woman---I had the privilege of being a friend in high school, then reconnect with her in medical school. She was GREAT educator! I was so amazed at the great work and leadership she did with a health insurance company. She was a LOVING wonderful mother and a fun friend. I am so sad about this--our world has been diminished by her passing. My hearts go out to Toby and Daniel. I am so sorry to not be at the celebration of her life since I am in Scotland right now. Hugs to Bruce, Bonnie, cousins Tuetings, especially Laura.
Blessed be her memory!!
The Mazzie Family
05/24/2017
Tj and Andrea, we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Katherine Hauser
05/23/2017
I have great memories of traveling in the Boundary Waters with your mom . It was such a pleasure to reconnect with her recently here in DesMoines.