Obituary of Barbara Cowger

Obituary Barbara Florence Wood was born in Little Falls, New Jersey on October 15, 1942 to father Jack and mother Helen. She began her schooling in Kow Loon Bay, Hong Kong. As her father suffered from TB it was decided that the hot dry climate of Australia would be better suited for his health. So began the Australian segment of her life. Many of Barb?s assets were passed on to her by her mother, from her seemingly endless acres of lawn, to her large garden and flowers.Barbara took up teaching like her mother and found it to be a suitable challenge as her first class out of college was made up of 60 grade 1?s and 2?s. The curiosity to see the world was realized in the accepting of a teaching position at the old Upper Pine School in 1964. Upon arrival at the Fort St. John Airport, she inquired as to the departure of the next tram to Upper Pine School. When she learned there was no such service, she made her way to town and spent her first night in the Peace River area, safe and sound in the Condill hotel.The tradition of the time was for the young bachelors to ?Court? the new school teachers in the area. Paul obviously caught her eye, for she returned from a visit to Australia in 1965 to prepare for her marriage in 1966. Barbara continued to teach with positions in Wonowon, Montney, and the new Upper Pine School. All the while raising her young family and helping Paul to build their farm. With her retirement from teaching, she took up many activities, serving on the B.C. Assessment Authority board for six years traveling to and from many points in the province from her home in Montney to serving as the alternate to the PRRD chair. But possibly the most enjoyment came from her many volunteer activities. She loved to judge at 4-H speech and demonstration competitions, school science fair projects and in fall fair junior booth. Volunteering at the lunch booth at the Fall Fair for the Cattlemen?s Association she felt to be a great place to visit with countless friends and acquaintances while those of us she also volunteered did the work!More than anything the response from the community to Barb?s passing tells the whole story. Calls of condolence and visits from caring friends have all led to reminiscing about what a treasure Barb was. Friends and family will miss the wonderful dinners, BBQ?s and gatherings Barb loved to host. She was an accomplished cook and sadly many of her recipes are now gone with her. Barb was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, volunteer and friend to many. We feel our lives were better for having Barb in them. Paul and his family would like to thank everyone for helping them through this difficult time.Barb is survived by husband Paul, sons Mike (Carla), Dan (Charmayne) and granddaughters Kiana, Miranda & Erica, Sarah, Courtney & Ashley. Services