Barbara Anne Pederson (Laird)

March 14, 1937 - December 1, 2022
In loving memory ~
Barb was born on March 14th, 1937, in the town of Invermere British Columbia. Her childhood years consisted of being raised on a farm on the benches just outside of Invermere. There, she developed her appreciation for responsibility, hard work, horses and fishing.
Barb attended Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria where she obtained her Nursing degree in September of 1958. While there, she met her future husband Al Pederson during his leave from the Navy. They were married in October of 1958. After graduation and marriage, Barb returned to Invermere where she obtained her first job as a nurse in the local hospital and Al finished his career with the Royal Canadian Navy in 1959.
During their years in Invermere Barb and Al had two sons, Brett born in 1959 and Chris who was born in 1964. Shortly after the boys were born, the family moved to Saskatchewan. After a few years of living in Saskatoon Barb and Al decided to move back to B.C., and once Al found barbering opportunities in Burns Lake it was to be their home for the remainder of their lives. Barb was hired on promptly at the Burns Lake Hospital. There she practiced as an RN, head nurse, and finally, director of nurses until her retirement in March of 1995.
Barb's love for horses was confirmed when she and Al started raising quarter horses on their Hobby Farm on Babine Lake Road. She enjoyed riding in gymkhanas, riding clinics as well as pack trips into Tweedsmuir Park.
As an avid golfer, one of Barb's happiest moments was when she got a hole in one on the Willow Grove Golf Course in Houston. Barb also enjoyed snow birding trips to Arizona, carpet bowling, curling and many happy hours of playing crib and whist with many of her dear friends.
Barb will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
She was predeceased by both parents, her husband Al, and her oldest son Brett. Barb is survived by her brother Sandy (Marg), and her youngest son Chris (Roni).
A Celebration of Life will be held January 2nd, 2023, at the island gospel church at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers Barb's family prefers that donations be made to the First Responders Cafe Society via the Burns Lake Credit Union.