Barbara Alice (Versey) Pryor

Barbara died peacefully in Ottawa on June 4th with her family by her side. She was predeceased by her daughter Pat Miller (Stephen) in 1987 and by her husband Bill in 2002. She leaves behind her son Jim (Joan Simpson) and her 5 grandchildren: Michael Pryor (Deb Davies), Gina Miller (Gord Hurst), Jaime Pryor, Rob Miller (Peggy Jo Grass) and Kristina Miller (Chris Rachner), along with 10 great grandchildren.

Barb was born in London, Ontario where she lived until August of 1943 when she became a WWII war bride, marrying Bill Pryor, a British serviceman posted to Goderich. Shortly after, Bill was posted back to Britain and Barb followed in January 1944. She spent 3 years in Britain; son Jim was born in Cardiff, Wales. In 1947, the family returned to Canada and resided in London. Their 2nd child, Pat was born in London in 1951.

Barb was an active member of Trinity United Church to which she made a major contribution over more than 60 years. Barb always had many friends and valued time spent with them. Her interests included choir, bowling and cards.

Throughout her life Barb was especially fond of young children - her eyes would light up whenever she saw them. In her mid-forties she returned to school and completed an early childhood education program at Fanshawe College. She spent the next 5 years as a nursery school teacher, then Director.

Barb enjoyed trying new activities all her life; in her eighties she tried kayaking, riding in a helicopter and a float plane, and even flying a glider for a short period. She enjoyed many excursions and bus trips with friends across southwestern Ontario. She and Bill returned to Britain for a holiday in 1972 and again with her daughter- in-law Joan in 2003, each time renewing family connections in Cardiff.

At 88, she sold her home in London and moved to a retirement home in Kanata to be near her son Jim. She joined Glen Cairn United Church and participated in many activities there .She enjoyed her 11 years at the Empress Kanata and made many friends among residents and staff. She was a welcoming ambassador to new arrivals, helping them become more comfortable in their new environment.

Barb was so very proud of all her family and very excited to welcome new members, whether by marriage or by birth. Pictures of family members were proudly displayed on all her walls.

As requested, Barb was cremated and will be resting with Bill at Woodlands Cemetery in London. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Barb’s honour may be made to the London Health Sciences Foundation-cancer research, the Ottawa Humane Society, or to a charity of your choice. Future celebrations of Barb's life will be taking place in Ottawa and in London for family and friends.