Barbara Julie Buckley, a resident of Grande Prairie, AB, formerly of Sexsmith, AB passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital at the age of 81 years.

Barbara was born on April 18, 1943 in Edmundston New Brunswick. Her parents took their young family of nine children and boarded a train from New Brunswick that took them clear across Canada to Port Alice, BC. When the family moved none of them could speak a “lick of English” (Barbara’s words). All of the siblings were set back a couple of grades in school to learn their studies in English.

Barbara loved being a homemaker. She could cook, bake, can preserves, garden, knit, crochet, embroider, make quilts, sew and so on. She loved being a part of the Ladies Aid groups and Sexsmith Ladies Royal Purple.

As Barbara’s family grew older, she decided to spread her wings and began cooking at a camp. Her favourite time was spent up in Norman Wells, NWT. She loved the winters, the climate and especially the Indigenous ladies who became life-long friends.

Barbara had a tight-knit coffee club and was part of a seniors bus tour. She would make bags of mitts, toques and slippers to give away. She had such a beautiful heart, but when you crossed that line you would get that frost-stricken “look… when the French came out you better run!”

Barbara loved sweet peas and gladiolas. One year she planted sweet peas on the east side of our trailer where they grew up to the roof and the fragrance was intoxicating.

Barbara found her soul mate in Alex Olynyk. He made her home seem more like home. They both loved it when the family gathered and if there wasn’t enough noise he would add to it. Once the family was gathered together at the dining table to eat soup and Damian was "slurping" his so Barbara, being proper, “scolded the little guy.” Alex in his big, soft, kind voice, "Barrrrb, leave the boy alone." The next thing we know, Alex and Damian were both slurping their soup.

Barbara will be sadly missed by her daughter Holly (Jim) Dettling and her son Rob (Laurie) Ganzeveld; grandchildren: Rochelle Nixon, Shauna Lohstroh, Cyrena Ganzeveld, Robert Ouimet and Morgan Ganzeveld; great-grandchildren: Damian Walker, Blake Knee and Nova Knee; aunty Marie Mula, Kathleen and Denis Houle, Linda Badger and many others.

Barbara was predeceased by her youngest daughter Phyllis Anne Ganzeveld; third oldest daughter Wanda Lou Ouimet (February 15, 2020); and sadly Alex Olynyk (March 4, 2021).

A Graveside service will be held at a later date where all three family members will be laid to rest together at the Emerson Trail Cemetery.

Memorial Donations may be made to the Sexsmith Ladies Royal Purple on Barbara’s behalf or the charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank (from the bottom of their hearts) Dr. Von Tonder, Dr. Beekman and all the doctors who were a part of Barbara’s care team. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at the Grande Prairie Care Centre - Emerson Wing. The devotion and love shown for her care and loss was remarkable.