Barbara Anne Boutilier

Barbara Anne Boutilier (Trefry) age 95, left this life peacefully at home with family by her side on October 4, 2023. She was born in Yarmouth, NS on April 12, 1928 to Edgar E and Catherine G (Clarke) Trefry.

While Barbara was born in Yarmouth she was raised in Barrington Passage, her father’s ancestral home.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. As matriarch of the family she always enjoyed gatherings at the family’s summer home in French Village. Taking care of her extended family was her joy in life. She was affectionately known as Nanna to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who delighted in spending time with her.

Her great-grandchildren are Kate’s son Avery, Laura and John’s children Mattias and Kyla, Adam’s children Marissa, Eva and Adam Junior (AJ), and Jeff and Crystal’s daughter Emily.

She was a marvellous cook and was undaunted by preparing meals for extended family gatherings. Her Scottish oatcakes were a specialty and loved by all.

She married the love of her life, Bob in 1953 in Yarmouth where her children were born. The family moved from Yarmouth to Halifax in 1960. In her early years as a wife and mother she was part of a bridge club in Fairview which formed lifelong friendships.

She attended Bayers Road United Baptist Church and was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary for many years. She also served as a member of the School for the Blind (now APSEA) auxiliary for many years.

She took secretarial studies in Yarmouth following high school and her work included the NS Dept of Lands and Forests, Agriculture division. She was office manager in Halifax for Bluenose Agencies for several years.

She always cherished the time she spent with her nephews and nieces over the years.

Barbara’s (Mum’s) kindness, compassion and beautiful smile will be forever remembered fondly by those who knew her.

She was predeceased by her husband of 35 years, Robert Peter Boutilier (1928-1988), her brother Joseph (Bud) Trefry, her sister Catherine (Trefry) Bell and her daughter-in-law Margaret (Neaves) Boutilier. She is survived by her daughters Judy (Roy) Hirtle, Barbara (Roger) Bleasdale, son Robert Boutilier, grandchildren Kate Hirtle, Carolyn Hirtle, Laura (John) Bleasdale Wilson, Adam Bleasdale, Aimee (Boutilier)(Josh) Rutz, Jeff (Crystal) Boutilier, and seven great grandchildren. While she is sadly missed, we are all grateful to have had so many wonderful years with her. Funeral Service to be held at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr, Halifax on Thursday October 12, 2023 at 2pm. Reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to APSEA (formerly School for the Blind)

or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.