June 12, 1948 – November 20, 2023
In loving memory ~
On November 20th Barbara June Hillson (Cederholm) left us to join her parents Verna and Roy Cederholm, best friend Brenda Harrison, and favourite student Tasha Greggor. She was born in Avola on June 12th, 1948. When she was two, she moved with her parents to Salmon Arm. She enjoyed living on the farm in Canoe, especially after her four brothers and one sister were born. Eventually the family moved to Coronation Street where Barb was thrilled to have indoor plumbing. Even though she had to wear a skirt to school, Barb was a good student and had many friends. Two of her good friends today, (Val and Bev) she met in Grade Nine. Barb graduated in 1966, in the first graduation class at Salmon Arm Senior Secondary, (the same school all her siblings, siblings in law and children graduated from).
After High School Barb became a wife and mother. She was an amazing mom to Brian, Kandace, and Melanie. Although it was common in the seventies to send your children outside to play all day, this was not her style. She preferred to join her children in their fun, such as cross-county skiing, badminton, softball, croquet, crafts, baking and of course reading. Barb taught her children that education was very important. She volunteered at their school and was involved in helping with homework. She also made it a priority that her children always had wonderful birthdays and holiday celebrations. Vacations included visiting her grandparents in Avola and lots of rustic camping.
As the children got older Barb focused on her career, starting out at her children’s school as a hot dog volunteer, she then helped in the Learning Assistance room. When she became a single parent, she needed to find a way to support her family but also still spend time with her children. She took night classes at the community college and became an Educational Assistant. At the age of thirty-nine she officially began her thirty-three-year career with the school district. She began by learning sign language and worked with children that were hearing impaired, and then was assigned to work with her beloved Tasha. Breaking all kinds of misconceived notions about children with Special needs, Barb and Tasha worked together from kindergarten through to college. Once Tasha was at college Barb pivoted again and spent close to twenty years working at the high school teaching, guiding, and mentoring her “kids” in the Chefs program. In 2020 and at the age of seventy-two Barb reluctantly retired. She spent the last few years redefining herself again, by joining her dear friend Rita’s dinner club, going on her twice daily walks, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, siblings, siblings-in-law, and friends.
Barb valued her friends and her students, but she dedicated her life to her family. Every sibling and child received at least one weekly scheduled phone call. Every cookout, family celebration and holiday she helped organize and bring special foods. She took the role of family matriarch very seriously, as their leader she made sure all of them got along, felt heard, and knew they were unconditionally loved.
Barb will be deeply missed by her children, Brian (Laurie), Kandace (Todd), and Melanie (Greg). Also, her siblings Don (Bonnie), Mel (Jenny), Larry (Leona), Gloria, and Del (Cheryl). Her grandchildren Tiffany, Brandon, Danielle, Damon, Carly, Dallas, Miguel, Vanessa, and Janelle will miss their Grammy/Gramma, as well as her 8 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.
Please join Barb’s family at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 9th at Salmon Arm Secondary School (Sullivan Campus) at 1641 30th St NE., (where she last worked). As she loved to wear hoodies, you are encouraged to wear your best hoodie for Barb. After the service everyone is welcome to join the family for a walk on the Raven Trail.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to The Barb Hillson Chef Program scholarship fund. As the family is still in the process of setting up the scholarship, please etransfer your contributions to kt_wood@telus.net.
To leave an online message of condolence, visit www.bowersfuneralservice.com.