Barbara Fay Dech (Leger) passed away peacefully on February 7, 2023 at the age of 89.
Barb is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Karl and their 2 sons, Mark (wife Laura, children Kelsey & Jackson) & Gary (Linda & daughter Alyssa).
Barb was born Oct. 7, 1933 in Edmonton, Alberta to Alphonso & Winnifred Leger. She is predeceased by her brothers, Ron & Bob. Barb’s father worked for Canadian Pacific Railway and as such the family moved often. Shortly after Barb was born the family moved to Dauphin, Manitoba then to Terrace, BC and then after that settled in Hope, BC. When she was 12 she began taking piano lessons and at 14, she commuted to Vancouver every Saturday for piano lessons. After she graduated from high school, she moved to Vancouver to continue her lessons ultimately receiving her diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Her career aspiration though was to become a nurse, but because she had limited vision in one eye, she worried she would not get accepted into the nursing program. However, the Director of nursing at Royal Columbian Hospital gave her a chance to prove herself, and boy did she! She graduated from the RCH School of Nursing in 1960 with the Proficiency Award in her class. Barb loved nursing and because of her genuinely kind, loving & caring nature, she excelled in her profession. Over her nursing career she worked at Children’s Hospital, Sunnyhill Children’s Hospital & St. Michael’s Centre.
In 1958 Barb met Karl on a blind date. Because she was still in nursing residence, she could only stay out for 1 hour. That 1 hour was all they needed as they continued their courtship for over a year and half until getting engaged and then marrying in 1960. They lived in Vancouver and then settled in their home in New Westminster where they lived for over 50 years raising their family. Barb loved being a Mom to her boys and to all the assorted fur babies throughout the years too! She was always involved in Mark & Gary’s activities, whether it was being the designated Nurse with the Boy Scouts pack, playing the piano for all the school plays & programs or just being the number one supporter of anything her boys did.
Barb was a very talented artist as well, and could often be found down in her painting room working on her next creation. She loved to paint and many of us likely have a B. Dech hanging proudly in our homes. Her love of painting however, couldn’t compete with her love of family, especially her grandchildren. Being Granny was her favourite pastime.
Barb was such a loving, kind & giving soul and she made everyone feel welcome. Her infectious laugh is something we will forever miss. Barb, Mom, Granny – we love you.
The family would like to thank the Doctors, Nurses & Staff at Buchanan Lodge, as well as the countless friends and neighbours for their care and support, especially over the past several years.
A memorial for Barb will be held Sat. April 22 @ 1pm at Kearney Columbia-Bowell Chapel in New Westminster.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. or a charity of their choice.