Barbara (Buchanan) Reid

Barbara Ruth (Buchanan) Reid passed away peacefully on April 15, 2023 at the Civic Hospital after a brief illness. The only child of the late Hannah (Howard) and Kenneth Buchanan, and wife of the late Donald P. Reid for 48 years, she is survived by her loving children and their spouses: Diane, Karen Martin (Wayne), Shirley (Mike McMullin), Steve (Mary Shearman Reid), and Bruce (Joan Wright). Cherished grandmother of Vicki, Andrea, and Trevor, step-grandmother of Mary (Ren), and step-great-grandmother of River and Journey.

Mom was born in Toronto on June 10, 1930. After graduating with a B.A. from Victoria College (University of Toronto), she and Dad were married on June 28, 1952. They moved their growing family to Ottawa in 1960, becoming members of Southminster United Church.

Mom was a long-time member of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW), including being a founding member of the MadriGals choir, plus the Music Appreciation group and the Canadiana group. A voracious reader, she participated in several book discussion groups, both with the CFUW and the Ottawa Public Library. Mom volunteered at the Centretown Emergency Food Centre for over 20 years, where repackaging donated peanut butter was her “speciality”. She also helped prepare the Out of the Cold meals at Southminster United Church.

Mom and Dad enjoyed travelling, Mom researching places to see, and Dad creating the itinerary. They made frequent trips to the UK as well as to Japan, Turkey, Kenya, the Panama Canal, all over Europe and, Mom’s favourites, mystical Egypt and India.

Being both music and theatre lovers, Mom and Dad supported the Ottawa Little Theatre, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, and the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival. Mom especially looked forward to the Music & Beyond and Chamberfest summer festivals.

A Service of Remembrance will be held at Knox United Church, 25 Gibbard Avenue, Nepean, on April 19, 2023 at 1 p.m. Please dress in bright colours. Masks are required. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Centretown Emergency Food Centre (507 Bank Street, Ottawa K2P 1Z5) or the charity of your choice.

“And He will raise you up on eagles' wings…and hold you in the palm of His hand.”