Barbara J. Elder, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, in Maple Ridge, BC. 

Predeceased by her husband, Rick Elder and her parents, Helen and John Drost. Barb was born in Brandon, MB in 1944 and was the 2nd oldest of 5 children. Barb attended local schools including Roseneath, Moore Park High and Rapid City High. Growing up on the family farm there was lots of work to do, but Barb was also a 4H Club member, participated in parades, roller skating and dances.

She started to work in Brandon at Perth’s Dry Cleaners at 19 and soon met her husband of 53 years. They married November 1963, the next November she gave birth to their first child, Rick jr. The following year they moved to Germany where they lived for 3 years. With her husband already there, Barb courageously traveled on her own with their baby on her first major trip traveling on planes, trains and buses to meet up with Rick. They shared lots of stories of their time in Germany making lasting friendships. They returned to Brandon in 1968, with their second child on the way. Charmain was born in March 1969, completing this generation of their family. They settled into what would become their family home on McDonald Avenue until 2016.

Barb was a stay-at-home mom until the children were in school then returned to work at Perth’s, where she worked at the front counter and billing for more than 30 years. Barb was a talented seamstress, sewing outfits for her family including some amazing gowns for herself to wear to formal Police dinner and dance events. She had regular customers doing anything from simple alterations to sewing wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and grad dresses. In the 80’s, Barb and Rick created a business called Barb’s Craft Studio, where she made stuffed animals, selling them at local craft sales throughout the province. Barb had many hobbies including, gardening, needlepoint, crocheting, knitting, and baking to name a few. She loved animals and there were always cats and dogs in the family home. She later developed a love for Beagles and spent much of her 50’s and 60’s volunteering at the Crocus Obedience Kennel Club teaching obedience and working with her pups in competitions. Barb was always active and enjoyed golfing and could often be seen walking one of their family dogs in the neighbourhood. They traveled throughout Canada and the U.S., making several trips to BC to visit Rick’s parents, creating fun family memories. When the kids were older, Barb and Rick enjoyed exploring Vegas and Nevada as well as the Western U.S and Canada. Barb’s most recent courageous move was after Rick passed away, she made the decision to move closer to her children and grandchildren, relocating to Maple Ridge, BC where she lived her final years.

Barb was a kind and generous person who loved her family and her pets. Barb always maintained her positive spirit and resilient attitude throughout her challenging and debilitating illness. She had an infectious laugh that could help cheer you up on any kind of day and was always quick to laugh at the silly jokes you threw her way.  Barbara is survived by her son, Rick Elder Jr. (Shelley) of Calgary; daughter Charmain Porritt (Heath) of Maple Ridge; and four grandchildren, Brendan Elder (Julie), Rachel Elder (Jake), Mason Porritt, and Jessica Porritt, brother’s Charles and Leonard and sisters Irene & Joyce. 

A celebration of life will be held for Barbara on May 24, 2025 at the Victoria Inn in Brandon from 1:30 - 3:30.