October 30, 1924 - December 28, 2021
In Loving Memory ~
Predeceased by Husband Donald Ryder, eleven brothers and sisters.
Survived by sister Magdalena (Lena) Blackstock, son Bruce (Marnie), grandchildren Clinton and Charyn and great grandchildren: Cedric, Leon, Romain and Kayla-Marie, numerous nieces and nephews.
Born in Scott, Saskatchewan, Barbara was the 3rd youngest to 13 siblings. Growing up in the depression she learned everything about farming on the family land and life as a child and teen during the 1930's.
Barbara left home at the age of 16 and made her way to Ontario, where her older brothers worked in the factories to supply the war effort.
Her first work was in a munitions plant, making ammunition and bombs. She also worked in an aircraft factory. Here she was a riveter and assembly person.
After the war Barb returned to Saskatoon where she worked in a doctor's office and also met her husband to be "Donald" on a blind date.
After marrying Donald they moved to B.C in 1946 to Port Alberni. While in Port she worked at Bronson's Hardware for 9 years. After a departure, she and Don returned and bought 5 acres of land near Gill School. She also worked in the E.I. department for the government but left to become a full-time homemaker and mother.
Barbara loved her garden, cooking, baking, always having friends and family for dinners and socializing. Her love of family transcended into the community where she volunteered for more than 30 years with the "Sunshine Club".
She worked with the "Europe Club", loved making her 'friendly phone calls" as well while she volunteered at "Echo Village" helping and feeding the residents. At 80 she would say she was going to "help the old people".
She loved to play crib, belonging to the crib club she attended weekly. She was full of life and love and will be missed and will live on as long as there is someone still left that she touched.
The family would like to thank family doctors Dr. Lund & Marsay for their compassion over the years with Mom.
We would also like to thank the Homecare workers who came daily to help her to stay in her home with her granddaughter, it was her greatest wish, without them this would have not been possible. Thank you so much. To Yates Memorial Society for helping those left behind make the process so stress free and seamless.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that a donation be made in Barbara's name to Alberni Valley Rescue Squad.