- Brandon Sun Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
BARBARA J. ELDER
Date of Passing: Mar 01, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryBARBARA J. ELDER
Barbara J. Elder, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, in Maple Ridge, BC. Predeceased by her husband, Rick Elder and her parents, Helen and John Drost.
Barb was born in Brandon, MB in 1944 and was the 2nd oldest of 5 children. Barb attended local schools including Roseneath, Moore Park High and Rapid City High. Growing up on the family farm there was lots of work to do, but Barb was also a 4H Club member, participated in parades, roller skating and dances. She started to work in Brandon at Perth’s Dry Cleaners at 19 and soon met her husband of 53 years. They married November 1963, the next November she gave birth to their first child, Rick jr. The following year they moved to Germany where they lived for 3 years. With her husband already there, Barb courageously traveled on her own with their baby on her first major trip traveling on planes, trains and buses to meet up with Rick. They shared lots of stories of their time in Germany making lasting friendships. They returned to Brandon in 1968, with their second child on the way. Charmain was born in March 1969, completing this generation of their family. They settled into what would become their family home on McDonald Avenue until 2016.
Barb was a stay-at-home mom until the children were in school then returned to work at Perth’s, where she worked at the front counter and billing for more than 30 years. Barb was a talented seamstress, sewing outfits for her family including some amazing gowns for herself to wear to formal Police dinner and dance events. She had regular customers doing anything from simple alterations to sewing wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and grad dresses. In the 80’s, Barb and Rick created a business called Barb’s Craft Studio, where she made stuffed animals, selling them at local craft sales throughout the province. Barb had many hobbies including, gardening, needlepoint, crocheting, knitting, and baking to name a few. She loved animals and there were always cats and dogs in the family home. She later developed a love for Beagles and spent much of her 50’s and 60’s volunteering at the Crocus Obedience Kennel Club teaching obedience and working with her pups in competitions.
Barb was always active and enjoyed golfing and could often be seen walking one of their family dogs in the neighbourhood. They traveled throughout Canada and the U.S., making several trips to BC to visit Rick’s parents, creating fun family memories. When the kids were older, Barb and Rick enjoyed exploring Vegas and Nevada as well as the Western U.S and Canada. Barb’s most recent courageous move was after Rick passed away, she made the decision to move closer to her children and grandchildren, relocating to Maple Ridge, BC where she lived her final years. Barb was a kind and generous person who loved her family and her pets. Barb always maintained her positive spirit and resilient attitude throughout her challenging and debilitating illness. She had an infectious laugh that could help cheer you up on any kind of day and was always quick to laugh at the silly jokes you threw her way.
Barbara is survived by her son, Rick Elder Jr. (Shelley) of Calgary; daughter Charmain Porritt (Heath) of Maple Ridge; and four grandchildren, Brendan Elder (Julie), Rachel Elder (Jake), Mason Porritt, and Jessica Porritt, brother’s Charles and Leonard and sisters Irene & Joyce.
A celebration of life will be held for Barbara on May 24, 2025, at the Victoria Inn in Brandon from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 29, 2025
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
-
Sharing fond memories of when we first met in the summer of 1959 when visiting our grandparents in Brandon always brought me joy. The ease with which you were able to mount and ride a cow on your Rapid City farm was remarkable, but I never had the courage to try doing the same. In my own defense, my parents and our cows didn’t allow me to be that adventurous. It was easy to see that your love of animals and ability to work with them brought you much happiness. When I was just that little bit younger; you inspired me! I wished we had a 4H in our area that I could join! When you were only in your early teens your concern for your younger sisters and parents due to polio and other hardships shone through. Your skill at making cabbage rolls and other goodies when we visited with your parents in later years made us feel welcome. Fond memories upon fond memories! I loved how you made the time to show you cared for your parents when you made sure that they were recognized on their 70th Wedding Anniversary by so many officials who never knew the Drost family of Rapid City. With good reason, you were always so proud of them. Despite the physical distance and busy times in our lives, when we did get together it was always so nice to be able to easily pick up the pieces from where we left off, enjoy a good time, make more great memories, and go forward. As we aged and weren’t as mobile as we once were, it was especially enjoyable to share inspirational videos and funnies through emails with you and Rick. After my last Christmas card to a Jackson Rd. address was “returned to sender” I feared that we had lost touch forever. When you replied to an August 2023 email I knew you were still somewhere in BC and struggled with typing, but I didn’t have additional contact information to connect and, regrettably, lost touch. Our mutual cousin Bob recently up-dated me with the sad news of your passing. My best wishes to your children and grandchildren for strength and good health on a beautiful day of sunshine, fond memories, and friendship when they celebrate your life in Brandon on May 24 with family and friends who are able to attend. I am so happy that my mom and your dad were siblings, and that our grandparents in Brandon gave us the initial opportunity to meet and share friendship when we were in our early teens. Thank you for the beautiful memories, Barb. May you rest in peace in heaven with Rick, your best friend and the love of your life. You have truly been an inspirational cousin that I will love forever and never forget. Arlene (Eliasz) Gibula Mississauga, ON - Posted by: Arlene Gibula (First cousin) on: May 17, 2025
-
Diana and I were saddened to hear of Barb's passing, Although we lost touch with Barb after we left Rapid City in 1963, we have many fond memories of the fun times in our high school years. Sincere Condolences to all of Barb’s Family 🙏❤️ - Posted by: Skip Wright (Rapid City High School Friend) on: Apr 08, 2025
-
Sorry to hear of Barb's passing. Proud you should be of all her accomplishments. She was indeed a talented lady. - Posted by: Anne Ringash (Friend) on: Apr 01, 2025
-
I will miss you, my sister. Too many years I put off going to see you and now I cry as I won't have that chance again. You will always be in my heart as a sister who cared and took her time for others. Goodbye is such a final word so I will say, See you on the other side. Much love to the families. - Posted by: Elizabeth Irene Willey (Sister) on: Mar 31, 2025