Barbara Grace Lillian Biggs

With deep sadness we announce the passing of Barbara Grace Lillian Biggs on December 7, 2024. Barbara was a loving wife to Robert Biggs. She was also an incredible Mum (she insisted on the British spelling as a nod to her mother’s roots) to Jared (Dorota) and Victoria (Vee) Biggs. Barbara was the proud grandmother to four grandchildren: Ella, Winston, Mira and Henryk. Barbara was a devoted auntie to Jennifer, Allison (Nathan) and Margot (Dan). Barbara was also a loved godmother, co-worker, cousin, sister-in-law and friend.

Born on April 4, 1952 in Montreal, Quebec to John ‘Jack’ and Elizabeth Downey. Barbara lived in the Ville Emard area on the south end of Montreal Island. In 1962, Barbara was a Brownie and she was chosen to be the first person to raise the new Canadian flag at her school. Barbara attended James Lyng High School and went to Cejep College.

Around this time, Barbara worked at the downtown Simpson-Sears in the cafeteria. She was so well-liked by her patrons that some would only be seated in her section. This was a testament to her strong work ethic and vibrant personality.

In 1969, Barbara bought her first motorcycle, a small 2 cylinder 100cc Yamaha which gave her the freedom to venture many places. She went on many adventures with her good high school friend Susan.

In 1970, she met Robert through their mutual friend Algis. One day Barbara called Robert and asked if he could help her with the repair of a flat tire on her motorcycle. This was good for Robert as he never would have had the nerve to call her! Around this time Robert had an accident on his motorcycle and broke his left foot. He spent a week in the hospital. To Robert’s great amazement, Barbara came to visit him in the hospital.

During the holiday season that year, Algis and Robert stopped at her house. Algis suggested that everyone attend a party nearby. Barbara and Robert went with him but when Algis went to the door they mutually agreed that they didn’t want to attend the party. They quickly ducked behind a car and hid from view. When the coast was clear they returned to Barbara’s house and her mother (Elizabeth) fed them turkey leftovers. Robert was officially hooked.

From that point on there were many evening and weekend motorcycle rides in and around the Montreal area. The romance blossomed and both were accepted by each other's family and friends.

Barbara and Robert were married on Saturday October 30, 1976. After two years the couple decided to head west. With some of Robert’s family already in Saskatoon, it seemed an easy choice. Robert went first as Barbara only agreed to follow when Robert was employed.

Barbara arrived after the 1978 holiday season and she got a job right away in January of 1979 at the main library on the University of Saskatchewan campus. She worked there, in several different capacities, for 38 years. She took great pride in her work. She was loved by her co-workers and was often visited by students.

In 1979, Robert and Babara were accepted into a government housing program that allowed you to put sweat equity into a home to make it more affordable. Through this program they met their lifelong friends Jeannette and Elgin Ambrose. In the Spring of 1980, construction was started on 3422 33rd Street West. This location was an important part of Barbara’s life as it promoted lasting friendships with community members including Dale and Twyla Gallant, Jennifer Rommens and Marianne and Bill Hydomako.

In the fall of 1981, Barbara found out she was pregnant with her first child. The Sears store had a contest where if you guessed the date of your baby’s birth all of your baby related purchases were free. Barbara got it right, with only 20 minutes to spare, and Victoria was born. Barbara was over the moon with the new arrival.

In late Spring of 1984, Barbara was once again over the moon when she found out she was pregnant with her second child. Jared was born on December 23 and on Christmas Day he was brought to her in a Christmas stocking by the nursing staff.

In 1987, Robert became a member of the RCMP. He was a special constable at the airport and Barbara continued to work at the U of S. In 1991, the couple purchased a larger home in the same area of Saskatoon.

In 1994, things changed when Robert found out he was to be transferred to Carnduff, Sask. Ever the pragmatist, Barbara took a leave of absence from the U of S. For two years in Carnduff, Barbara embraced small town life and worked at the elementary school. She was loved by the staff and students. She also spent many hours driving her son back and forth to hockey, and loved to embarrass her daughter by teaching the macarena at school dances.

When the two years leave was up, she began commuting from Saskatoon to Carnduff. She was incredibly practical, as well as dedicated, and she spent many long hours on the road in order to ensure that her family was cared for.

After four years in Carnduff, Robert was transferred to Rosetown Highway patrol. Barbara took the reins and planned for her family. She asked if they could reside in Saskatoon. Permission was given and shortly after the family home was purchased in Wildwood.

Barbara volunteered during this time. She was an usher at Persephone Theatre and volunteered with the Blues festival. She enjoyed her time going to live music shows with her group of friends including Jeannette and her sister-in-law Gail. She was an incredibly involved parent and always supported her children in all of their endeavors.

After 38 years of working in the library system at the U of S, Barbara retired in 2017.

Barbara enjoyed travel. She accompanied Robert to many car shows, went to England, travelled to the west coast, and went to Las Vegas on many occasions. She also visited her daughter multiple times in Thailand.

Her daughter was married in 2011 (Thailand) and her son was married in 2016 (Saskatoon). Barbara was again, over the moon, when both her son and daughter announced pregnancies in the holiday season of 2016. Winston and Ella were born in September of 2017. In 2021, both her son and daughter announced pregnancies again and Mira and Henryk were born in early 2022.

Baba (or Nanny) was a very special part of the life of her grandkids. They were all lucky enough to be on the receiving end of her never-ending, sticker-covered cards, they loved to sit and watch her programs with her, she read them many stories and she travelled to Pinehouse, Calgary and Regina for their special events and birthdays. She even learned to shop online just so she could spoil them!

Barbara was a unique, intelligent and wonderful woman. She meant so much to so many people. She will be deeply and forever missed.

Be cool. Be smart. Love you. Always.

A Celebration of Life for Barbara will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 63 (606 Spadina Crescent West, Saskatoon) on December 27 at 1 pm. Please join us to share stories, celebrate and remember Barbara.