RAMSAY, BARBARA FRANCES 87, Dartmouth, passed away peacefully in Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial Building, QEII, in Halifax on November 26, 2009. Barbara was born on July 17, 1922, in Bear River, the third of four daughters of the late Howard and Maude (Harris) Rice. Following graduation from Oakdene School in 1939, Barbara worked for L.V. Harris at the Bear River Drug Store until 1942 when she joined the Air Force and was posted to Petawawa, Ont. She was subsequently discharged after contracting rheumatic fever and returned to Bear River to resume her correspondence program as a "Certified Drug Clerk". Barbara completed her program at Dalhousie University, and following graduation was employed at the former Camp Hill Hospital. It was during this postwar period that she met her future husband, James Ramsay at Stadacona. They were married in June 1951 in Bear River and moved to Dartmouth. In 1957 the family moved to Shearwater, where Jim was stationed, returning to Dartmouth in 1967 where they resided until Jim's retirement in 1977. During this time, she continued to work at various pharmacies in and around the Halifax and Dartmouth area. Upon retirement, they relocated to New Maryland, N.B. where Barbara finished her working career. Following Jim's death in 1996, Barbara returned to Dartmouth to be closer to her family. Barbara belonged to that diminishing generation of women whose lives were defined by hard work, duty and resourcefulness. Growing up on a farm, she was always at home in the outdoors and was an avid and accomplished sportswoman. She enjoyed many varieties of needlecrafts including quilting, weaving and knitting. Having three granddaughters provided Barb with an opportunity to create endless and unique hand-knitted outfits, which will always be treasured by her granddaughters. Barbara is survived by her children, Dennis (Esther Kennedy) and Carolyn, Dartmouth; David (Stephanie Sparks), Bear River, and by her granddaughters, Emma, Erin and Laurel. Her remaining sister, Gwendolyn Petersen resides in Toronto, Ont. She was predeceased by her husband, James Lyman Ramsay, and by her sisters, Doris Brooks (Calgary, Alta.), and Eleanor Smith, (Toronto),. Barbara's family gratefully acknowledges the lengthy and continued friendship of Phyllis Harlow, family by choice. The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to the caring staff of 5E at Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial Building, QEII, where Barbara resided for the past four and one half years. Arrangements have been entrusted to A. L. Mattatall's Funeral Home in Dartmouth. A funeral service will be conducted in Christ Church in Dartmouth at 2 pm on Thursday, December 3. A private family interment will be held at a later date. Family flowers only by request. Donations in memory of Barbara can be made to Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial Garden where Barbara spent many enjoyable hours. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.mem.com