Barbara Lynch passed away peacefully on August 26, 2020, at her residence, South Granville Park Lodge, Vancouver. She was predeceased by Philip, her devoted husband of over 54 years, and by her brothers Peter and Keith Roberts. She was a beacon of strength to her family and will be greatly missed by her children and their spouses, Brian (Alexandra), Christina (Neil) and Patrice (David), as well as her beloved grandson, Samuel. She will also be missed by many in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Barbara was a warm, generous, wise, and caring woman who benefited from the community of friendships that became her Vancouver family.
Barbara was born in Stoke-on-Trent, England, to Francis and Winifred Roberts. In the spirit of adventure, she relocated to Vancouver in the late 1950s, where she married Philip and raised her family.
Throughout her life, Barbara was a dedicated learner who was keen to keep pace with the world around her. She was an avid reader and student, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree from the English program at UBC at the age of 61. Barbara enjoyed sharing her knowledge by assisting with various computer and genealogy classes at local colleges and centres.
Her passionate interest in genealogy led her to write and publish a book that traced 800 years of family history. This endeavour enabled her to connect with many distant relatives who shared these pursuits and became close friends.
Barbara loved to spend time gardening, walking the trails of North Vancouver, and travelling. She especially loved to visit family and friends in Great Britain, where she would conduct research for her book and reconnect with the culture of her birth.
In the last few years, Barbara faced her health challenges with tremendous courage and strength. Despite her own struggles, she always reached out to others to offer good humour and kind words of support, just as she had so steadily throughout her long and cherished life.
May she, too, be reunited with loved ones and know how deeply she will be missed by those she leaves behind.
A funeral Mass and celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at St. John the Apostle in Kerrisdale on Friday, September 11, at 11 a.m. Anyone unable to attend because of public-health restrictions or concerns will find a livestream and recording of the event at https://www.legacystreaming.com/kearney/ . A reception in honour of Barbara will be held at a later date, when it is safe to get together again.