We Remember

RODGER, Barbara Beverley

June 15, 1947 — August 29, 2026

The spark of white light we knew as Barb Rodger rejoined the infinite light of the universe on August 29, 2026. As she made the transition, she was comforted by her loving husband Laurie, her darling daughters Shawna and Kelsey, and her dear sister Sheila.

Barb’s light is missed by many because she shone brightly in many ways. She was Nana to Addison, Gavin, and Hank. She was Auntie Barb to Craig, Graeme, Eric, Graham, Burt, Claire, and Lauren. At her request, she was Big Momma to her sons-in-law Dan and Justin. She was a friend who became family to too many to list here, but they know who they are.

Barb was born Barbara Beverley Wait on June 15, 1947, in Nelson, British Columbia. She was a swimmer, runner, and head of the cheerleading team in her high school. Her love of food began with cooking classes in high school, and her parents and sister often enjoyed the fruits of her education at home. Through high school and university Barb worked in the kitchen at Kootenay Lake Hospital.

Teaching is a calling, and Barb answered the call for 35 years. After achieving her Bachelor’s Degree in Education at UBC, Barb taught in Coquitlam and Mackenzie before moving to Kelowna in 1972 to teach at KLO. During these years she would meet some of her dearest friends. Over the decades, she worked at Hollywood Road Jr., Springvalley Secondary, and Kelowna Senior Secondary. She retired in 2006, but continued to teach on call for five years out of caring for students and sharing her love of food. Everywhere Barb went, former students would stop her to say she was their favourite teacher. She would unfailingly remember each one, including their siblings, their best friends, and lab partners in the class.

Barbie was petite, but she had a large presence everywhere from school halls to dim sum restaurants to the dinner table. She would often affirm, “I’m small but mighty!”.

Barb found Laurie, the love of her life, in 1975 and married him in 1978. The tight-knit family they built loved dancing, cooking, and constantly laughing, all brightened by the magic and sparklers of little Barbie. Most family trips were to visit family and friends in Nelson, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island. In their retirement, Barb and Laurie saw the world together, visiting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In May of this year, they celebrated 48 years of marriage.

We will celebrate the special light that was Barbie in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, please consider helping her life’s work continue by donating to the Barb Rodger Bursary for Culinary Arts Students.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

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Barb Rodger Bursary for Culinary Arts Students Link: www.bit.ly/BarbiesBursary

 


 


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Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke

I liked the personal treatment given to my mother who is 97 years old. As her representative, I found Springfield employees pleasant and sincere, helpful and knowledgeable. Something I didn’t know, was that the funeral home would help me get through the paperwork need at this time. I am very thankful for that.

Janice Cornell

Genuine concern, excellent service, very professional. Since this was my first experience (with a funeral home), everything was above and beyond what I expected.

Randy Hatanaka

Thank you to your team for your kindness to me at a very challenging time.  You have now taken care of both of my parents with professionalism and care.

Nancy Farran

Springfield Funeral Home is always professional, caring and very knowledgeable.  We appreciate that you have dedicated staff for all needs from planning the service to completing government paperwork.

Timothy Morio Tahara

I am not sure there was anything you could have done to make a very intense emotional time less stressful.  Although we hadn’t expected Ken to want a service, when he said we needed to have one for us not him, it was true.  Your sincerity and compassion meant everything to us.  Thank you.

Gwen Harvie

David Henseleit, your compassion and professionalism is truly amazing!  The entire staff were courteous, super professional and caring as each guest arrived.  Everything was done to perfection!

Myra Neuman

Keep up the good work that you do as it is such an important service you provide.  It is still the most difficult time in a person’s life.  Your kindness is so appreciated.  We appreciated the peace of mind that everything was being looked after.

Gloria Couture

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