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Barbara Mary (nee Girdwood) Peter

July 1, 2005

Peter, Barbara Mary

(née Girdwood)

(June 21st, 1925 — July 1st, 2005)

Barbara was born and brought up in Johannesburg, South Africa. The youngest of four siblings, she completed high school at 16, and graduated with a BSc from Rhodes University at 19. Bar studied

architecture at Bristol University, then married fellow Rhodes graduate John Peter at Congresbury, Somerset in 1946. Bar and John lived in Cambridge, England before moving to Winnipeg in 1950, eventually settling in Victoria, BC.


Bar worked as a preschool teacher at Goosey Gander Kindergarten, then at the University of Victoria, BC Mental Health and Integrated Services as a psychometrician and psychologist. Her specialty was assisting children with learning disabilities. Bar persevered with part-time graduate studies at the

University of Victoria for 15 years while working full-time, and achieved her PhD in Psychology in 1991. Before her retirement, Bar operated a successful private practice, performing neuropsychological assessments throughout Vancouver Island.


Bar was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 1998. She endured many losses before passing with peace and grace on Canada Day, 2005. Many thanks to the staff at Lady Minto Hospital and

Greenwoods on Saltspring, as well as those who cared for Bar over the last seven years, particularly Joan Werner and Ping Drage.


Bar is survived by her brother Michael (Joy), sister Kathleen (George), children Jonathan (Premprapa), Christopher (Margot), Katherine, Nicholas (Jasmine) and Stephanie, as well as 12 grandchildren, Mariah, Ambrose, Sophia (Tim), Justine, Seth, Jeremy, Adeline, Katie, Camilla, Naomi, Victoria and Bonny; and one great-granddaughter, Mia.


Bar will be remembered for her loving nature, quick intelligence, generosity and her commitment and formidable energy at work.


A Celebration Of Bar’s life will be held at St. Mark’s Anglican Church on Salt

Spring Island; 10:00 AM, Saturday July 9th, 2005.


In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Bar’s name to the Greenwoods

Foundation or the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation.



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