Barbara Wallace

CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BELOVED MATRIARCH AND SCHOLAR

Barbara C. WALLACE NÉE LLEWELLYN

~ Her Joyous Birth
Hailing from the lush green hills of St. Ann, Jamaica, Barbara Cynthia Wallace was the first child to Mr. Leopold and Mrs. Alvira Llewellyn, born on August 6, 1939. She was affectionately called “Miss Lloyd” by her mother in reference to the doctor who delivered her bundle of joy. Her father did not like the nickname though, so he called her Barbara! To so many others, she answered to “Babs and Barb.” As a precocious child, she grew a passion for learning and excelled in her academics and in various sports. 

~ Her Early Years 
Barbara’s academic pursuits were notable, and she quickly soared to great heights at her primary and high schools, Mount Waddy Primary School, Irons Mountain Primary School, and Excelsior High School. She also enjoyed summertime musing when she got the chance to visit with her Aunts Matilda Wilson and Catherine Malabre, and Uncle James Ralph in Kingston. She lived with these relatives throughout her high school years, as well.

~ Her Career and Professional Pursuits
Barbara aspired to be an educator and attended Mico Teachers College where she earned her Teaching Certificate in Primary Education. She honed her craft by teaching at Mico and Holy Childhood High School. After immigrating to Canada in 1966, she lived in Hinton, Alberta before settling in Calgary. There, Barbara continued to pursue additional education and ultimately completed her Master of Education degree at the University of Calgary. Her length of service in education spanned 40+ incredible years, and she deeply embedded herself into the fabric of the learning community, becoming a school administrator, sought-after leader, consultant, mentor, and accomplished textbook author. She also took interest in inspiring and hosting international students who would return to visit her annually.

~ Her Past-times and Life Passions 
If her Facebook pictures are any indication, Barbara C. Wallace lived life to the fullest, indulging in meaningful past-times and passions especially into retirement with her busiest of schedules!

As a disciplined and focused athlete, she fiercely played “centre-half” on the Jamaica Women’s (Field) Hockey Touring team, representing the land of her birth on the world stage and invited many teams to the island for friendly competitions over the years. She blended sports with her passion for travel, and at 24 years old she went abroad, and sent her family a postcard from Camp Tekakwitha in Pennsylvania, USA describing her field hockey tour as cold, but enjoyable. From there, it was sealed…travelling was a must and field hockey remained the impetus for many seasons of worldwide voyages and sight-seeing adventures! As a retiree, she continued to play the sport she always loved, joined her many friends on their “Tuesday Walks,” and travelled with her team to the biennial Golden Oldies World Hockey Tournaments in locations like Australia, Germany, and South Africa, to name a few.

She also embraced golf as a seasonal activity and outlet which allowed her to exercise and spend leisure time with friends. She volunteered at the golf course and exchanged her time for rounds of golf, using her smarts to ensure she chose optimal time slots to enjoy the sunset.

~ Her Faith and Christian Walk 
A devoted Christian and member of Southwood United Church, Barbara served the Lord with fullness of joy and was always at the forefront of church activities. She assisted with various treasury duties and committed to accounting for all the tithes and offerings before she left the church on a Sunday afternoon. She served the senior’s ministries with care, compassion, and poise, and loved choosing her tea set for their annual tea parties. As an evangelist, she welcomed newcomers to Canada with open arms, warm clothes, and delicious meals to meet their immediate needs. Missions work and hospital pastoral care duties were also a part of her repertoire.

Barbara never forgot the work to be done at Mount Waddy Methodist Church in Friendship District, Jamaica and supported many initiatives, including hosting an American missionary team who helped restore the church building. She had a flair for planning lunch fundraisers to support the church and ensured that “white gifts” were provided for those in need at Christmastime. Barbara participated in these initiatives throughout a 6-year period, when she made a significant sacrifice to return to Jamaica to care for her aging parents.

~ Her Peaceful Transition to Glory 
All would agree that Barbara C. Wallace personified grace, generosity, and principle till the very end of her life journey.

At age 85, Barbara passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She was predeceased by her parents, brother Karl Llewellyn, and nephew Richard Llewellyn. She was well loved and leaves behind brothers; Basil, Beresford, Everard, and Richard (David), sisters; Dolrez, Elsie, and Lurline (Dixie), sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, great grand nephews, many relatives, Godchildren, and friends. 

Celebration of Life service will be held at Southwood United Church, 10690 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 11 am. Reception to follow in the Church Hall.

In lieu of flowers,  donations can be made to Southwood United Church,  or Alberta Children's Hospital, or  The Mustard Seed, or Charity of choice.

Well done, Good and Faithful Servant - Matthew 23:23.

For those unable to attend the Funeral Service in person, a recording of the service is available below.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Barbara Wallace, please visit our Tree Store.