How to capture the love, intelligence and vitality of a woman over 84 years of living?

Barbara was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia in 1941 to Thelma and William (Bill) Holden (CAF). She was predeceased by her father in 1942 and later by her mother, step-father Ivan Richardson and brother, Gary Richardson.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 63 years, Keith; daughters Jennifer St. Onge (David), Kingston, Ontario; Krista Currie (Rorri), Rothesay, NB and son Bradley (Rhonda MacLean), Halifax, and grandchildren Lauren and Jack St. Onge, Jillian and Liam Currie, Fiona and Libby MacLeod, and sister Linda Peters, Corona, California.

She married Keith in Bethel Presbyterian Church in Sydney in 1963. Soon after they moved to Kingston, Ontario and 5 years later to Atikokan, Ontario. The family retuned to Sydney in 1972 where the big green house on Whitney Ave became home. It was a happy place for the children and their friends. Here they hosted many family gatherings, bridge games, dinner parties and always found a bed for many out-of-town visitors. Barbara often recalled the wonderful memories of those years.

In addition to being a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Barbara enjoyed a successful and varied career in the retail craft business, in sales and entertainment management and played an integral role in the development and operation of the cruise ship business in Sydney.

Barbara and Keith had a love for travelling. In the early years, it was family trailering around the maritimes and in 1976 a cross-Canada camping trip included a visit with Barbara’s family in California. They enjoyed spring stays in Florida with much anticipated stops along the way to visit children and grandchildren. Later they developed a love for cruising; enjoying many trips to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Europe, Hawaii and Alaska.

In 2001, Barbara and Keith semi-retired to a home on the Mira River where they continued to enjoy hosting friends and neighbours, gardening, bird watching and being active members of the Mira Seniors. Fond memories were made with the grandchildren with picnics, bonfires, swimming, blueberry picking, and of course, visits from some friendly pirates.

In 2012, they moved to their apartment in Halifax to be closer to their children. With the circle unbroken, they watched their grandchildren grow, continued gathering with family and old friends, and added many new friends along the way.

Music was a constant in her life, from Broadway musicals to Cape Breton fiddle tunes. She took great joy in singing, most recently with the Bedford United Church choir.

Barbara adored the family pets, both her own and those of her children. She loved flowers, spring peepers, butterflies, hummingbirds and dragonflies.

She was a force, freely sharing optimism, happiness and friendship with all.

A celebration of life will be held at 2pm on Monday August 10, 2026 in Bedford United Church, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Bedford United Church, Souls Harbour Mission or a charity of your choice.

“Just when the caterpillar thought its life was over, it transformed into a

beautiful butterfly. Watch for the butterflies”