Obituary of Barbara Florence Rutherford

1948-2023

Barbara Florence Rutherford ( née Underhill) of Hawkesbury, died peacefully at Bruyère Transitional Care of the Greystone Village Retirement in Ottawa on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. She passed away shortly after her 75th birthday. 

She was the youngest of twelve children and daughter to the late Raymond and Florence Underhill. 

She was the loving wife of late Robert Allen Keith Rutherford and a wonderful mother to Laura (Jeremy), Natalie (Chad), and Robert (Jenny). Cherished Grandma to Jenna, Cole, Travis, Isabella, Joshua, Wynn, Wren, Wyatt, Wrae, and Walker. 

She will be dearly missed by her sisters, Helen, Jean, Betty, Marilyn, Judy and brothers, Jimmy, Ken (Bev) and Herb (Patricia). Predeceased by her sisters, Olive and Dorothy and her brother Richard. Fondly remembered as an incredible aunt, cousin, sister-in-law, and friend to many. 

Barbara was a dedicated and passionate educator for over 30 years.  Her main subject area was English, and she spent countless hours teaching, coaching, and volunteering her time at both Hawkesbury District High School and Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute. She was a devoted member of the Knox Presbyterian Church family. Barbara loved to travel and experienced many adventures around the globe. The past several winters were spent down in Florida with family and friends at Doral Village. She was an avid golfer, gardener, and recently took up the piano. Most of all she loved to socialize with her family and friends. This past year she moved to Carleton Place to be closer to her children and to better support her own health care.

A special thank you to all the PSW’s, nurses, and doctors at Greystone Village Retirement for all the care and compassion they gave to Barb the past two months of her life. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Service on Friday, June 30, 2023 at 11 am at the Knox Presbyterian Church 29 High Street, Vankleek Hill followed by a reception at the Vankleek Hill Curling Club 136 Bond Street, Vankleek Hill.

In memory of Barbara, a donation to The Dementia Society or Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated.

To express your condolences or make a donation for Barbara please click the tab on the side of the page.

A Tree of Remembrance for Barbara will be planted in the McAlpine Forever Forest, Vankleek Hill.