Remembering Barbara Kathryn (nee Rankin) Hobson
Passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 97 on July 27, 2024.  Barb Rested at Rushnell Funeral Homes in Picton till her cremation. Interment took place at a Graveside Ceremony on August 8th at the family site in Picton’s Glenwood Cemetery, with a reception directly following at the Waring House.  Barbara was the third child of William and Kathryn Rankin of Picton, and mother of Helen and Peter Hobson and grandmother of Ben Hobson. Growing up in Belleville and Picton, Barb graduated from Prince Edward Collegiate and chose nursing for her career. She graduated with a three-year Registered Nursing Degree from Montreal General Hospital. Just earlier, her older sister Helen, had graduated from the same hospital as a Physiotherapist. Barb returned to Picton to nurse at Picton’s Hospital.  Her sister, Helen took advantage of the attractive offers for medical staff in the USA and moved to California.  Barbara followed, and the two worked and lived in Vallejo and Santa Monica. After Helen became engaged to Tom Busch, Barb moved back to Picton.  She married Donald Hobson and they raised two children. Caregiving was her strong suit and would be tested as she went to West Vancouver to her younger sister, Rosemary Trebell, to comfort her during her last days. Years later, she travelled to Spokane, Washington to be with her big sister, Helen Busch to help her in her final days and stayed with the family to support her husband Tom Busch in his recovery from his operations. Similarly, she gave tender care to her mother Kathryn Rankin, moving her closer to their home to give her more care before she died at 92. Husband Don enjoyed a career with Ontario Hydro in Belleville. On being transferred to Brockville, the family made their home there, enjoying life, curling, golf and houseboating on the St. Lawrence River. When Don died in 2009 at 85, Barb moved back to Picton to condo living.  Catching up with old school mates and family, enjoying many seasonal dinners, trips to local wineries, afternoon movies and being a spare bridge player. As her health declined, a move to a retirement home with assisted living in Belleville, Arabella Retirement Living. A few years later to nursing home care in Stirling, at Stirling Manor. No matter what life had in store for Barb, her sense of humour and that radiant smile always prevailed. A special thank you from the family, to the wonderful staff for their love, kindness, support and care shown and those who looked in on Barb during covid times. Daughter Helen made many trips to Stirling from her home in Oshawa to comfort her mother during her final days.  Barbara Hobson was predeceased by sisters Rosemary Trebell, Helen Busch and brothers Bob, and Ted Rankin and beloved nephew Bradley. She is survived by her brother John Rankin, and her two children Helen, and Peter, their spouses Omar, and Trasie, and her dearly loved grandson Ben, her many nieces and nephews, who she reminisced about fun times together with the families at the outlet beach.  Fondly thought of by Mark Paul, neighbour, and a childhood friend of Peter. A special thank you to Donna Stanton-Nash, past neighbour and family friend, who was remembered warmly for visiting regularly at the condo during covid, and making sure Barb was okay, and had her grocery requirements.  For online condolences please visit www.rushnellfuneralhomes.com