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Obituaries

Barbara Ellen Wright

January 17, 1958 - November 18, 2025

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Obituary For Barbara Ellen Wright

The family of Barbara Ellen Wright announces her passing on November 18, 2025, at the Misericordia Hospital in Edmonton, due to the poor health that she had suffered from for years.

Barb was born in Grande Prairie, Alberta, on January 17, 1958. She was the fifth child and fifth daughter of Betty and Roy Wright. Barb attended Swanavon School, Montrose Junior High, Grande Prairie Composite High School, and Grande Prairie Regional College. She and 4 of her sisters were part of a powerhouse of student athletes while they were in junior and senior high.

Barb received her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta in 1981 and her permanent teaching certificate in 1985. She lived in many places, including Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Whitehorse, Lac La Biche, and Peace River.

Barbara had a great gift with language. She won the bronze medal in the nation-wide Poetry Olympics held as part of the 1988 Calgary Olympics, judged by such Canadian celebrities as Tantoo Cardinal and Moses Znaimer. Barb also penned the popular “Canadian Idol” column published in The Edmonton Journal’s rural publication, “Country Asides.” She put her command of words to good use for many years as a teacher at high schools and colleges across Western Canada. She had an affinity for young people.

At her best, Barb was witty and engaging. She could convey her unique perspectives and observations of life in ways that made you laugh uproariously or brought tears to your eyes. When she found a food or song or book she loved, she enjoyed it with gusto. Barb could recite voluminous passages of literary prose and explain its historical significance. She was always ready to correct grammar or help with writing.

Barb was predeceased by her parents, Roy and Betty Wright, and her parents’ siblings (15 in total), her brother-in-law Warren Brander, and her beloved dog, Rascal. Barb is survived by her six siblings, in order of age: Patricia/Trish (Cal), Christine Vogan (Peter), Susan Smith (Eric), Margaret, Annabelle, and Bill (Janice); by her nieces and nephews: Jessamyn, Roxanne, Sarah, Norah, Alex, Carter, and Nic; and many other extended family members.

At Barbara’s request, there will be no funeral service.

Donations in Barb’s name may be made to Bandaged Paws (bandagedpaws.org/donate).

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Condolences

  • November 23, 2025

    Josephine Albinati

    My condolences to all the Wright family, I recall many happy memories of of our families growing up in the neighbourhood, my thoughts are with you at this time of sadness, know that Barbara has gone to her final reward, Love and prayers, Josephine Albinati

  • November 23, 2025

    Carol

    Although I never met Barb personally, I came to know her through her family members. Condolences to them all. Losing a sibling would be so hard. Keep the memories you tell of in her obituary close in your heart. They help to get through the darker days. Trish thanks for sharing her with me, it helped me to understand my own life. Take care Carol Thomson

  • November 22, 2025

    Josephine Albinati

    My condolences to all the Wright family, I recall many happy times our families had, growing up in the neighborhood, My thoughts are with all of you at this time of sadness, know that Barbara has gone to her final reward, Love and prayers, Josephine Albinati

  • November 21, 2025

    Debra Plante

    I played volleyball with Barb at the GP. Composite High School and the GP College way back in the day. I kept in touch with her over the years; cards and FB. Know she struggled but she was an intelligent, humorous, and kind hearted soul in her best times. Rest now, sweet Barbie❤️

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