Babz Chula Passes Away
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of beloved Vancouver actor, Babz Chula. Ms. Chula was a multiple-award winning actor of stage, screen and television. She has been fighting two forms of cancer since 2002, and on May 7th, 2010 she passed away at home, surrounded by her family.
Ms. Chula was born in Springfield, MA, the eldest daughter of an amateur actress. She went on to a singing career with the band “Streethearts,” and starred in The Vancouver Opera’s Threepenny Opera. She had regular and leading roles in Vancouver-shot television series like Madison, The Commish, Cold Squad, and These Arms of Mine (which netted her a Gemini Award). The queen of independent film, her credits include: Bruce Sweeny’s Dirty, Live Bait, and Last Wedding, Ben Ratner’s Moving Malcolm, and Carl Bassai’s Mothers and Daughters (which won her a Leo Award), and Fathers and Sons (which is yet to be released).
Ms. Chula was first diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2002, and in 2005, was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer. She beat the Breast Cancer for several years, but in 2008, learned that it had returned. At that time, a group of her friends formed The Babz Chula Lifeline for Artists Society, ostensibly to help with Babz’ medical expenses, but it was always her wish that the Society become her legacy. Recently, the Society has undergone changes to allow it to support other artists. Ms. Chula continued to work during her Cancer treatment, which encompassed traditional and alternative healing methods. She recently returned from an Ayurvedic healing centre in India, where she had spent 6 weeks with her friend, filmmaker Anne Wheeler, who filmed the process for an upcoming documentary about Babz’ journey.
Ben Ratner was Babz Chula’s close personal friend and colleague, and president of The Babz Chula Lifeline for Artists Society. “Babz and her family are deeply grateful for the love and generosity the community showed her throughout her illness. Though we have lost a true artist, friend, mentor, and matriarch, our beloved Babz will never be forgotten.”
“She died like she lived; with dignity, grace, and humour,” says Babz’ son, Aviv, on behalf of the family. “We thank her for being an inspiration, and she will be greatly missed and loved forever.”
Ms. Chula is survived by her husband, Larry Lynn, her children Jordana, Aviv, and Orpheo, and her grandchildren Mason, Devon, Jake, and Kyler.
There will be a memorial service to celebrate Ms. Chula’s life on Sunday, May 23 at the Arts Club Theatre on Granville Island. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Babz Chula Lifeline for Artists Society: www.babzchulasociety.org.
I am so sad to hear that Babz has passed away. She was always so full of life, energy and humour. I remember her well from our Slocan Valley days when she was the singer in my husband’s band, “Whitewater”. The band all lived together in Vancouver in the fall and winter of ‘74/75 so they could play in the clubs there. Her children were just little then. We all had a lot of fun together. As the years went by, we lost touch but I always thought of her. I was not surprised that she went on to such a successful movie and theatre career as she was such a talented and dynamic person. My deepest condolences to all her family and friends. Hers was certainly a life well lived.
Comment by Jeanne Nielsen — May 9, 2010 @ 8:57 am
I am SO sad to hear. Babs will remain in my heart as perhaps the most feisty, biggest hearted and spirited woman I’ve had the honour to know. I LOVED talking to her, watching her work, and knowing she was out there living life as big as anyone I’ve known. I’m so sad for her family who will not have their beloved wife, mother & grandma to spend what should have been a long long life and hope they can find peace in their hearts for how hard she tried to stay with them. I so regret I won’t be able to experience the celebration of her life on the 23rd since I will be working out of town. This community needs to be together to feel the gratitude that we got to have work with and know her and I will certainly be there with you all in spirit. I LOVE YOU BABS!!
Comment by Shari Ulrich — May 9, 2010 @ 11:04 am
Beautiful words we all relate to Shari, in the loss of beautiful Babz as she moves on, a womyn artist, and friend of extraordinary substance, love and inspiration. Sending more love and light Babz way…and to her eternal family!! We will be looking for Director Anne Wheelers documentary, honoring Babz journey in India. I will walk Lost Lagoon and the Seawall in Stanley Park for you Babz…
Comment by Monica Hromada — May 9, 2010 @ 12:19 pm
I just heard the news. I am so saddened to hear this. I spent some wonderful times with Babz over the years and with the Chula family. I cherish those times without exception and will greatly miss her. I truly looked forward to spending more time with her over the years and having some more of those great conversations we had. Since I had full belief in her recovery, this really comes as a shock.
It breaks my heart to think of the Jordana, Orph and Aviv and family spending this Mother’s Day in mourning. And Larry without his wife.
What a vibrant and beautiful person she was. Whenever I think of her I still see the image of her smiling and glowing with energy. She warmed my soul. So sorry to lose you Babz. You will be greatly missed.
Comment by Lloyd Springer — May 9, 2010 @ 1:42 pm
Babs,
When last I saw you
your smile always a bit naughty and hopeful
and your eyes deep and soulful
Haiku creativity and fruits by the bowlful.
You created a family and legacy
that grows and touches Eternity.
For your dear family, I hope for this,
they can celebrate your being
as your magnificent gift.
As you lived with love and deep insight
Your memory glows, vivid and bright.
May family rest through the nights.
Bless your journey and keep your light.
deepest thoughts, Jacqueline
Comment by Jacqueline Feldman — May 9, 2010 @ 3:09 pm
She will have a legacy. The love she gave will continue to grow. She will be missed by her family and friends, but remembered free of pain. An eternal glow of light will surround each person who’s life she will continue to touch.
Comment by Lianora — May 9, 2010 @ 9:19 pm
I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a wonderful woman.That vibrant smile and personality will always stay with me.She gave me
strength and courage with her kind words of wisdom.I will always remember ” Babs ” My heart
goes out to her family for having to endure such a tragic loss
Comment by sandy reynolds — May 11, 2010 @ 10:08 pm
Babs spirit, energy and the drive to beat her demon will be with us all forever and I can only hope that this will be mirrored by all of us that knew her. My sincerest sympathy goes out to the family and may all she was, be a constant in your lives. XOXOX
Comment by Lori English — May 14, 2010 @ 2:48 pm
O Babz, how you touched the lives of everyone that knew you – no matter how little…
Comment by Erez T Yanuv Barzilay — May 14, 2010 @ 8:49 pm
I saw a note on Facebook today in the right margin, May 16th, to reconnect with Babz and send her a note…
I remember the last time I saw Babz face to face, was in Capers on Robson where the song “Love is Everything” came on, sung by kd Lang. We both shared how much we loved it and paused in talking about her journey in life with the Cancers, and her eternal optimism there. We stopped to listen to the song we loved and then shared a long hug. I am grateful for that beautiful memory of Babz and her loving energy. So I share this poem below, a dear friend of mine wrote for Babz, never having met her. I think Babz will hear it today, from that place where she shines on, in many hearts ~smile~…we keep on sending love Babz way, and feel it coming back!
(the spacing of the poem may be affected here in this post)
She Loved Much –
……another poem for Babz and those who loved her….
How strange what we remember – a brief time ago,
It seems, I wrote a poem for a womyn I had never met –
An actress, a singer, an artist, a lover – beloved by another
And others. A wife, mother and grandmother –
she was a friend of a friend –
Sometimes connectedness becomes Indra’s Net – complex, eternal.
Maybe all of sixty-three – she passed on. She knew.
She had a song that touched her again and again –
How we all have those songs that strike some deep chord
And whether we are thirty or sixty, the music still
Takes hold and opens us like an ax to wood –
The soft pulp exposed. “Love Is Everything.”
If you have never heard that music, simply imagine
That someone in a sultry, mellow voice has managed
To wrap the whole of love with its intensity and letting go
And the leaving into one long melancholy sigh.
Surely you who read have lost another that takes you
Into a place where the waterfall sounds abound
And the river that runs through you promises
an opening so wide and deep you swear
You will never hold it – and then calm comes.
Surely you have loved with such passion and depth
That you vowed to turn from it and never again
Touch that ecstatic place, for to be on a high, dry plain
After such wonder is staggering. Oh how we forget
The way the dark makes the light brighter. She loved much –
You can tell the nature of a womyn – or a man — by what
Moves them with passion. You can tell their capacity
For something larger than life by their lyrical way
Of moving their arms, the way their hands speak volumes,
The way their voice soars like an eagle with the sweetness of the sparrow.
Some come to open cosmic space, while at the same time
They walk the same rocky ground with us, plodding each day.
On the cusp of Mothers’ Day she just flew away listening to a song.
I’ve never met her except I think in dreams –
Yet surely that brush of wings and the rush of knowing
That fills me guides these words – more for those left
Than for her. She knows. Sometimes on their way
Out of body, these people of such large hearts
Borrow our hands if we make ourselves available, willing. Her words:
“Love is Everything – a life-line. We have to take care of each other. ”
©2010 – All Rights Reserved
Poem and Illumination
Marilee L. Pallant
Comment by Monica Hromada — May 16, 2010 @ 12:12 pm
Oh OUR DEAREST BABZ, I just a few minuets ago have found out of your passing.This is the moment that I never wanted to come…YOU LIVED SO heartly beautiful to be a BLESSING TO US ALL. With your talents,humor,your couage to KEEP ON TRYING & LIVE another day! With ALL the beauty in heaven & earth you made my life just alittle bit easier,to know you were here,to know that you GAVE your all to live & LOVE. To your BELOVED FAMILY,FRIENDS,& FANS I send MY DEEPEST EMPATHY & LOVE. Words can not now really express HOW I FEEL KNOWING OF YOUR LOSS…With TEARS & Smiles for what Y*O*U gave & give…I MISS YOU..WON’T EVER FORGET Y*O*U..
~~~ALex~~~Racey~~~
Comment by Alex Racey — May 18, 2010 @ 4:16 pm
That stunning human being has passed on, has passed through our
lives but will never be gone. Anyone who met her will never forget her,
and any of us priviledged enough to work with her will be forever in her
influence. How graced I am to have worked with, gathered around her table, to have loved her.
thank you darling girl, loveley woman, marvellous mother, incredible artist. Farewell.
Barbara
Comment by Barbara Pollard — May 22, 2010 @ 8:27 pm
Babs, you shared your patience with me. You shared your kindness with me. You shared your smile and laugher and hope with me. You are still with me. Like a ship that has sailed passed the horizon, I can’t see you, but you are still here. I am forever better for having known you, “Dr. Judith D’Angelo”.
Comment by Ben Smith — May 25, 2010 @ 8:41 am
She loved the Manhattan, and we loved her. We still do.
Comment by Mary Anne — May 25, 2010 @ 12:14 pm