Barbara Ellen Richards (nee Pugsley) passed away suddenly at The Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, Barrie, Ontario on Friday September 1, 2023 at the age of 80.
Born in 1943 in Toronto, Ontario; growing up as a Hawkestone Girl with fond small-town memories of a one room schoolhouse, hilarious stories and dear friends – all of whom she considered family.
Barb met the love of her life, John Richards, in 1963. They later married in Hawkestone and had four children: Kym (Robert) Irving, Karen (Sean) Woods, Krista (Christopher) Richards, Kevin (Laura) Richards. Beloved Nanna of Zach (Justine), Adam (Bri), Taylor (Domenica), Maggie, Jaxson, Charlie and Reilly and the proud Great Gramma of Lacey, Lawson and Hazel. Treasured sister and pre-deceased by John Pugsley and Marilyn Boyle, she was an amazing mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, colleague, and friend. She touched the lives of so many students and coworkers through her work at Georgian College and through many charities.
Barbara’s impact to the community is felt by the many charities she worked with over her various careers, most notably as an auctioneer (A Touch of Class Auctions) and with the capital campaign for Hospice Simcoe and as such was the recipient of the Queens Diamond Jubilee award. Barb wanted to leave a legacy as the proud founder of the Senior Wish Association, making a lasting impression on thousands of seniors over the years. It’s impossible to list all the charities that Barb helped – of importance to her was giving back to the community, which she instilled in family.
The Richards Family invite you to share stories of our Mom with us at Liberty North (100 Caplan Ave, Barrie, Ontario) on Friday September 8th from 5-8 PM for visitation or Saturday September 9th from 10 - 12. Service will be held on Saturday at 12 Noon with Rev Susan Eagle. Reception to follow at Liberty North. Arrangements entrusted to the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie.
In lieu of flowers, family asks for donations to Senior Wish Association or any charity of your choice.
Online memories and condolences may be forwarded via www.steckleygooderham.com.