Obituary of Barbara Irene Isenor

It is with broken hearts that the family of Barbara Irene (Ashley) Isenor announce her passing peacefully at the Dr Everett Chalmers Hospital on March 21, 2024. Barb was the daughter of the late Wilfrid and Enid Ashley, and beloved wife to Gary Wilkinson. 

Barb had a very rewarding career at the Department of Transportation, retiring in 2008 after 22 years. She worked at the Fredericton District Office and later in Human Resources Branch. A lifelong learner, Barb was especially proud of earning her Certificate in Adult Education from St. FX and her French second language proficiency from the province. Barb delivered training to hundreds of 'DOT' employees at all corners of the province, enjoying the connections and many friendships made over the years. After retiring from DOT she earned her Certification in Income Tax Preparation, helping others in need, to prepare their taxes. She then volunteered at the DECH in the Physio and Pallative Care unit and her most recent volunteer work was at the Fredericton Food Bank.

Barb and her husband, Gary, took many adventures together, from their spontaneous trips to St. Andrews, enjoying their many bus trips, their vacations to PEI every summer. She had a love for music and she attended  many, many music concerts; a few of her favorites being Rod Stewart , Blue Rodeo and Fleetwood Mac, she would often  return home to share stories about new friends she made.  The Harvest Jazz  and Blues festival  was among the annual favorites she attended for the past several years. She loved her family and  friends and the special occasions spent with them.

One of Barb’s greatest joys was her home and spending time around her property taking care of the many birds and critters and making sure her yard was a sanctuary for them.  Her beautiful gardens which she manicured added so much joy as well.  During the cooler months she loved relaxing in the garage with a glass of wine and a warm fire with her partner, and her family and friends.  Barb loved her people and  she was the most loyal and generous person. You could see the spark of positive  light within her when she was giving.

Along with her husband, Gary, Barb will be terribly missed by the children that meant so much to her, Chris Wilkinson (Stephanie VanHorne), Nicole Stairs (Andrew), and Melissa Wilkinson; Grandchildren, Beth, Amber, Keyan, Grace, Aydon, Ethan, and Alyssa; brother, David Ashley; special nephew, Brian Ashley (Debbie) and their children, Ryan, Kyle, and Alysha, as well as many cousins, friends and neighbours.

McAdam's Funeral Home has been entrusted with her final arrangements. A private memorial service will be held in the J.A. McAdam Memorial Chapel in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, donations to the local food bank or SPCA in Barb's name, or planting a tree this spring and thinking about her, would be appreciated by the family as a tribute to her memory.

May we all find comfort in knowing she lived life to the very fullest here on earth and balanced her hard work with spending quality time with those she loved, and she is now at peace after the past months of very difficult health challenges.