Barbara Jean Mathews

She was born in Vancouver B.C. on September 16, 1944 and was the only child of the late Dave and Marjorie Mathews. She had many dear friends and extended family. She is survived by her faithful, furry companion Maggie.

In her earlier years, Barb spent most of her summers on the family’s Silver Island, between Keats and Pasley Islands. They loved living and working on their Pan abode cabin while enjoying boating, crabbing, swimming, water skiing and entertaining their friends; especially their August annual costume BBQ & The Outer Islands parties.

Barb was excited to move across the narrow waters to her new Pasley Island home in 2011. There she could still see Silver Island, enjoy stunning sunsets, take lovely walks around the island and mingle with her many friends & neighbors on Pasley.

Barb and her parents were passionate skiers, going back to the early development of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain. They were at Whistler as often as possible, staying in their cozy A-frame cabin. This passion remained with Barb and she returned to ski and live part time on Aspen Drive in her later years. She joined the Weasel Workers, grooming ski race runs and meeting another group of wonderful friends. With the excitement of the 2010 Olympics approaching, Barb made the commitment to volunteer for the many downhill ski races held there. It was a fabulous time on the mountain which left her many fond memories to share. She also graciously hosted numerous dedicated Olympic volunteers into her home while they supported various Olympic events.

Barb worked many years for Canadian Airlines and was able to travel extensively. She continued to travel and cruise the world in her retirement.

Barb had a love for gardens, and a particular fondness of orchids. She always managed to find a buddy to help her putter in her own garden. She became a volunteer for FOG (Friends of the Gardens )at the UBC Botanical Garden Club for over 20 years. She loved working at the Apple Festival in the fall and would bring home bags of heritage apples to share with everyone.

Barb also had a great appreciation for all types of art and supported many local artists in the Whistler and Vancouver regions.

From Vancouver to Whistler, Pasley to Bowen Islands, Sea to sky, skiing to boating, gardening to dog walking, art galleries to Costco, Barb had a wide circle of friends and extended family. She enjoyed your company and shared her spaces with many of you.

A special thanks to friends & nursing staff who supported Barb in her final days- Coastal Health-especially Michelle, Bayshore Homecare, friends Dr.Cam, Ian, Deb, Deloris,Kathy, Rob & Kate.

Barb was a generous patron of many amazing charitable organizations. If you wish to donate in her memory to a charity of your connection to her, they are BCSPCA, Children Variety Club, UBC Botanical Gardens, BC Alpine and the BC Cancer Agency.

Barb left us way too soon and will be dearly missed.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialnorthvancouver.com for the Mathews family.