Obituaries

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Joy Drake on September 11, 2025 at Melville Gardens, Halifax, NS. Barb, who recently celebrated her 100th Birthday, lived her long life to its fullest and would reflect on her past with gratitude and contentment.

Born in August 1925 in Hayes, Middlesex UK she married the love of her life Ronald Douglas Drake who passed in Jan 2000 at the age of 80. They both immigrated from the Uk to Toronto, Ontario Canada when Barb was 21 before eventually settling in Halifax. She and Ron were friends and companions who loved each other deeply. She was a light in his life. Barb took great pride in the beautiful home she kept, the family she built, their community of friends, and the strength of the relationship she shared with her husband. A lesson she passed onto all her family: find moments of joy in your life and in your love. Barb and Ron had 2 children, Christopher Drake, St Catherines, Ontario and Kimberley (Drake) Mombourquette of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Barb was a wonderful mother who had meaningful relationships with both Kim and Chris.

Barb loved to entertain in her home, was always fashionably dressed, an avid reader, daily walker, and enjoyed travel, a good meal, a cup of tea, and a gin and tonic. Meaningful additions to her life were her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she was always so happy to have visit. Her grandchildren are Alexandra Drake Bronx, New York, Taylor Drake Miami, Florida, Kate Forbes St. Paul, Alberta and Patricia Drake St. Catherine's Ontario. She also had 4 great-granddaughters Bay Joy, Uma, Luna and Nin and then a great-grandson Hudson.

While Barb will be missed by her entire family, her advice, the sound of her laugh, and her stories will be strongly held in our memories—a source of comfort.

Thank you to the staff at Melville Gardens who made her feel comfortable from when she first arrived into Assisted Living in 2016 until her last day on the nursing home floor. Thank you to those who came to visit her, spent time with her on her 100th birthday, and to those who have held her in mind over the years. Barb was a gift we were all lucky enough to have.

Cremation has taken place with special thanks to Donald K Walker Funeral Home. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society in Barb’s memory.