In Memory Of

Barbara Beresford

Jul 9, 1931 - Jun 29, 2024

Obituary

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Beresford on June 29, 2024, at the Rocky Mountain House Hospital. Barbara was our family’s matriarch, our mum and Nannan. Her passing leaves a giant void in our hearts.

Barbara was born in Doncaster, England on July 9, 1931. She met her husband, Leslie Beresford, while working as a barmaid at a pub in post WW2 England. She recalls a group of soldiers entering the pub, one of who she found particularly appealing. “I’m going to have a piece of that one” she would say, “and I did”. As a military wife, Barbara lived an extraordinary life. She travelled across much of Europe, Asia and North Africa as her husband was posted in different countries, all the while raising her two sons, Garry and Lyonel. The exclusivity of air travel during that time meant that most of their journeys occurred by ground or sea. She sailed from England to Hong Kong, through the Suez Canal. She sailed to Tripoli, Libya, past the Pillars of Hercules. She lived in the desert and watched her sons play with tortoises and scorpions; she swam in Kowloon Bay. The adventures she experienced on her travels, while raising her family, would rival the best stories imagined by Hollywood screen writers.

Barbara moved to Canada in 1995, living initially near Ma-Me-O Beach before moving to Rocky Mountain House. Having been chauffeured her entire life, she learned to drive and obtained her drivers license at the age of 65. She was a talented painter, a crochet master, and she loved crafts. Most of all she enjoyed sweets of all kinds, beer and whiskey, and she would never say no to a good cup of tea, especially if it was served in a China cup.

To her family and friends Barbara was kind and loving. She was always there to listen and offer her insight and wisdom. Her pride in her family was dwarfed only by the love she had for us all. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Condolences may be forwarded to www.rockyfuneralhome.ca.

Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.

Condolences

Melissa Vollman:

Many condolences to the Beresford family, I enjoyed caring for spunky granny barb anytime she was in the hospital. Didn’t matter the circumstances of her hospitalizations she always had a bright smile, positive attitude and was a genuine person. Listening to her tell stories of her travels always amazed me. I have to say one of her longer admissions I looked forward to the changing of the month so we could discuss the new hunky firefighter in her calendar. I will never forget the day she was discharged and gifted the calendar to the nursing unit. A beautiful and cherished soul has gained her wings.

Loree Cosman:

I had the pleasure of doing Barbs hair at the Good Samaritan, she was such a lovely person with great stories, she also loved a wherthers candy said it reminded her of home, my deepest condolences may you find comfort in all your memories.

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