Barbara Crysdale

Barbara Crysdale

September 13, 1928 - June 3, 2020

Our dear mother died peacefully in her 92nd year on June 3, 2020, with her family by her side. Beloved wife for 62 years of the late John Henry Crysdale. Loving mother of John Sidney (Johanne Pineau-Crysdale) and Heather Susan (Douglas Abraham). Mum was the much-loved grandmother of Malcolm Fraser Abraham, Patrick John Crysdale and Rowan Douglas Ross Abraham. She is survived by her sister Patricia May McDonald (the late Dr. Ian McDonald), niece Margaret Haire and nephew James McDonald. A graduate of McGill (B.A.),

Mum was active in many groups including the Bronson Home Board, the Ottawa Civic Hospital Women's Auxiliary and the IODE. She also belonged to a perpetual sewing class and to a bridge club that ran for nearly 60 years. Mum loved to go out in the evenings with John H. to the NAC and the Ottawa Little Theatre and was always sure to be freshly-coiffed beforehand. In the snow season, Mum took full advantage of the cross-country ski trails in Gatineau Park-and especially enjoyed the run from Huron Lodge to Shilly Shally via the Khyber Pass-and she regularly took part in the Canadian Ski Marathon. Mum continued to ski until she was 75. In summer, she loved to go back to New England to see old friends and visit old haunts and to spend time on Cape Cod enjoying the pristine beaches and fabulous seafood.

Fifty years ago, during Canada's centennial, she was a frequent and enthusiastic visitor to Expo 67. In later years, when John H. was working in the high-tech sector, she was an avid companion on trips to Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia; and the two would also slip away to Tanglewood to take in summer concerts by the Boston Pops. She was a terrific cook, with her specialties being birthday chicken, Friday night hamburgers and fabulous roasts. Mum had a passion for driving and, when wearing the chauffeur's cap, 'Leadfoot Turk' could get you to your destination in no time at all. She was also a great multi-tasker, holding lengthy telephone conversations, the phone wedged in the crook of her neck, while, at the same time, ironing, cooking supper and keeping an eye on two spirited offspring. Mum loved her dogs, Pepper and Heidi, and her pussycats, Gingers I and II. And she enjoyed backyard bird feeding and would greet 'Mr. Nuthatch', 'Mr. Grosbeak' and 'Mrs. Chickadee' as they arrived at the feeders. We'll miss you BJC!

Special thanks go to the staff at Central Park Lodge and the Grace Manor for their compassionate care and for their friendship. At her request, there will be no service. Memorial donations can be made to the Salvation Army Grace Manor, to the Alzheimer's Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County or to Doctors Without Borders. Donations, tributes and condolences may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com