With sadness, we announce the death of Barbara Joy Waller at Eagle Ridge Hospital on October 29, 2024.
Mum was born in Ootacamund, India on October 27, 1929. Her early years were spent with her family in various locations in India and at the age of 6 she was sent to boarding school at Presentation Convent in Kodaikanal. She often told stories of her childhood in India and of adventures sailing through the Suez Canal on trips ‘home’ to England during the 1930’s and 40’s.
Mum moved to England with her parents in 1947 and worked in London as a secretary.
In 1950 she met John, a handsome young veterinary student, and they married in 1954.
Mum assumed she would bring up her family in England, but Dad convinced her to emigrate to Canada. In 1958, they moved with 2 young daughters to Enderby, BC and then settled in Burnaby in 1961. By 1970, the family had grown to 7 kids and Mum’s life was full and busy.
Mum was a very devout Catholic, with her faith providing a great source of comfort and purpose. She loved her family and had a unique relationship with each of her children. She enjoyed family gatherings and celebrations and especially loved babies and young children. Her pet dogs also brought her great pleasure.
Mum and Dad made several trips back to England over the years and Mum treasured the opportunities to reconnect with family and friends there.
In her later years, Mum enjoyed solitude and a quiet life. She had a strong will and sharp mind. She remembered everyone’s birthdays, was savvy with the internet and made her own decisions. Until her last days, she followed the daily news, did the Wordle (delighting when she got ‘Magnificent’) and gave the weather forecast to anyone who wanted it. She blew out a candle for her 95th birthday two days before she passed away.
Barbara was predeceased by her husband John, her parents Harry and Norah Harden, and her brothers Robin and Michael. She will be greatly missed by her 7 children: Angela, Susan, Christopher, Anthony, Paul, Sarah and Andrew and their partners, 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. In England she leaves her sister-in-law, Dorothy, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 12th, 2024, at St. Michael’s Church 9387 Holmes St. Burnaby.
Donations in Barbara’s honour can be made to the BC Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals https://spca.bc.ca/ or to a charity of your choice.