Barbara Mary Roberts passed away peacefully on September 21, 2022 with her family by her side at Mount St. Mary Hospital. She was predeceased by her parents, Richard and Margaret Ruston. She is survived by Richard, her husband of 55 years, her children, Hilary and Michael (Melanie) and her grandsons, Owen and Josh.
Barbara was born on January 8, 1945 at Sherbourne, Dorset, England while her Canadian parents were serving with the military in England. On the family’s return to Canada, they settled in Parksville, BC and later in Victoria, with Barbara attending St. Margaret’s school. She then obtained her teaching certificate at Victoria College. Upon her marriage to Richard in 1967, they moved to North Vancouver where she taught elementary school. She subsequently moved with her husband and children to Ottawa, Ontario. While in Ottawa, Barbara ran a floral arrangement business and taught English as a second language to immigrant students. Upon Richard’s retirement in 1996, they moved back to Victoria.
A devoted mother, she was cherished by her children and was always supportive of her husband, family and friends. She loved gardening, water colour painting, and being on her family’s sailboat. She was a longstanding member of a book club and a walking group, making many friends in the process.
The family would like to thank the staff of Mount St. Mary Hospital for their kind and understanding care of Barbara during the last 2 years and particularly for their compassionate treatment through her final days. Donations to the Mount St. Mary Hospital dementia care program https://mountstmary.ca/ would be appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Jackie Ray
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Peggy We lived in Ottawa so long ago, so my exact memories are few. What does remain is this description … Barbara was a SWEETHEART, kind and welcoming. To the family – so sorry for your loss but know from experience that loving someone lasts forever. May God be near and dear to you all.
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Myrna Deacon I taught ESL with Barbara, in Ottawa for many years and always enjoyed her kind, gentle personality. She was a delight to work with and we shared many laughs. I know your family and friends will greatly miss her. Please accept my deepest condolences.
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Sally (Coleman) Tuckey I met Barbara in the ‘60s at St. Margaret’s School where we were both boarders. She was a lovely gentle person then. A few years later I heard that she had married my friend Charlotte’s older brother Richard and was delighted to know that they had “tied the knot”! Through the years since I have been interested to hear, through Charlotte, of their expanding family, of their moves across the country, and of growing family members and activities.
I was so very saddened to hear of her struggle with dementia, such a cruel disease.
Life being what it is, I did not ever meet her after our school days, but I know that she now leaves a great hole in the warm family fabric which she did so much to create. Godspeed, Barb, and sincere sympathy to your dear family as they grieve.
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David R.E. Cooper It has been a tough and difficult two or more years for you all to see Barbara change from a joyful lady on account of that cruel disease of dementia. I can still well recall that day when Dick (Richard) took me to a little tea shop on either Broughton or Courtney Street to meet his shy young radiant girlfriend who was soon to follow him on adventurous voyage through life! She is now at peace but will be forever remembered for the happy times and shared experiences by all. May God bless you all in this time of your grief.
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Joanne Wilson Our heartfelt condolences to Richard, Hilary, Owen, Josh, Michael and Melanie on the loss of your dear Barbara. I was deeply saddened to hear of Barbara’s passing. I met Barb, a talented painter, while taking a watercolour class. Thus, I had the privilege of becoming her friend and painting companion. For years we worked together as members of The Oak Bay Art Club and displayed our paintings side by side in exhibitions. Barb was a wonderful friend and an amazing woman. She was a gentle, kind and very caring person with a bright light and positivity that radiated towards everyone around her. Over time, we shared our love of painting, art, gardening, literature and family. I feel so grateful to have known Barb and to have benefited from her thoughtful kindness and affection. Loving memories, of Barb, shall remain with me always.
She will forever be missed!
Our Deepest Sympathy
Joanne & Richard Wilson
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Angela Castle So sad to hear Of Barbara’s passing. She will be sadly missed and we send deepest sympathy and condolences to Richard and the family. I have missed our phone conversations and the swapping of family photos over the years. We all have lovely memories and we are so sorry for your loss. R.I.P Barbara.
Love
Angie & Jerry
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Janet Whillans How very sad we are to hear of the passing of Barb….a lovely person who valued family and friends.You will miss her but we hope that cherished memories will inhelp ease the sorrow….thoughts an prayers are with you all…with love….Bob and Janet Whillans(Rayner)
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Debbie Lefebvre I always enjoyed times spent walking with Barb on our Wednesday Walks. Barb was so proud of her kids and grandkids. A real lady and lovely painter. Lots of good memories. So sorry for your loss.
I was in a Bookclub with Barb for a few years. She and I would often carpool to our monthly meetings as we lived in the same area. I always enjoyed our conversations about our families, current affairs and our favourite pass times. We shared a mutual social group as well. She was a kind, talented and humble soul who cared for all those around her. She is dearly missed in our bookclub.