October 13, 1936 - October 26, 2022
In loving memory ~
Destined for a life of wonderful happenstance and grand adventure, Barbara Josephine Christie (nee Wran) was born on the 13th of October 1936 in Moncton, New Brunswick. After a life full of blessings large and small, Barbara passed away on the 26th of October in the Comox Valley, British Columbia.
Barbara is survived by Andrew, her husband of 64 years and her girls: Andrea (Ken), Rebecca (Ron) and Emily (Wylie), grandchildren Stephanie Monika and Theo, and great grandchildren Penny and Otto.
An only child, Barbara spent her early years in Moncton and Charlottetown. While visiting her beloved Aunt Mona in Kentville, Nova Scotia, she was introduced to Andrew, a young army officer stationed at Camp Aldershot with the Black Watch. Barbara agreed to be his date for the St Andrew's Ball and they fell in love while learning reels and the Dashing White Sergeant. They married the following year on All Saint's Day. Over the span of the next 64 years, Barbara and Andrew had three daughters, moved 31 times, and travelled to 52 countries. On many, many occasions she acted as an informal representative of Canada - a role she took very seriously. Barbara did all of this with grace, dignity, an open heart, curiosity and a sense of humour.
Barbara was athletic. She was fearless on the ski slopes, the tennis court and took no prisoners in a game of croquet. Barbara was creative. She loved to paint, and had a passion for art and art history and could often been be found poring over art books and never missed an opportunity to visit a museum wherever she was in the world. Barbara always created a beautiful home for her family wherever she landed. Entertaining friends and family around an elegantly set table was accomplished often and with ease.
Barbara loved to read and found books and audio books to be steadfast friends. She was fascinated by history, geography, world affairs, gardens and gardening. She loved to dance. She loved to laugh, enjoyed a good bowl of pasta, Belgian chocolates, British television, foreign shopping excursions, music and fairness in all things. Above all, she loved her girls and Andrew.
To her daughters Barbara leaves her natural kindness, love of learning and sense of adventure. To her beloved Andrew she leaves a heart full of love and gratitude and three girls who love him - and one another -- more than words can describe.
The Christie family thanks Barbara's caregivers over the years and, in particular, Drs Wainberg and Jenkins, the staff of 4B of the Comox Valley Hospital where she lived for nine months during Covid and the staff of Area F of the Comox Valley Seniors Village. Care aides Sandra, Roseanna and Amanda were a constant, caring support to Barbara and her family.
Barbara loved to walk and found ways to enjoy nature in every place she lived over the years. Since moving to Comox, she enjoyed the trees and gardens of the Filberg Park on many occasions and the family is supporting the Filberg's Legacy Tree program in memory of Barbara.
Donations in her memory will also be made to the CNIB to reflect her support of its fine work.