Hello Anne and Mary ; we were in Palmerston North on Sunday 7th April visiting Marlena , she told us of your Mums passing , such a shock to hear of her passing and we feel great sadness for you and all of your family. We were unaware of what has happened as we would have been with you all at her funeral service which we were told was a great tribute to Barbara . Your Mum was a great lady and sure she was a very special Mum to you all . Always a delight to talk with and a joy to be with , now past special times ; we shall all miss her terribly Our love to you all . Warren Pauline Forbes

I have so many unique ( such as falling into the sheep dip) and happy memories of 'Auntie ' Barbara from times as a child visiting the farm until more recent ones, when we delved into our common interest of the family tree. Visiting Taranaki will never be the same without her warm and gracious presence, lively storytelling and wealth of knowledge she was so happy to share. Tony and I send our sincere condolences to Mary, Anne and Robert and the wider family.

Auntie Barbara, All my life I have known you as my dear Auntie Barbara. Your Grace, love, kindness, scene of fun and humour and your majical laugh, will always be in my heart. The happiest times of my life were on the farm enjoying family holidays, I cherish every memory. My love to Mary, Anne, Robert and their families at this very sad time. Wendy

My deepest sympathy to all Barbara's family. I join you in missing her. I have shared many, many productive and happy days with her since we became friends through Rotary. Recently, regretfully our contact has only been by phone. Barbara has enriched the lives of hundreds of people. Her legacy through her work, caring and family, lives on. Jean Phipps

I knew Barbara as her insurance broker for the farm covers. Always enjoyed the ‘high tea’ morning or afternoon tea with her and ‘John’ and her gardeners. Wonderfull lady and has left great legacy with that property. Ready in peace. Geoff Toll

What can one say that has not been said already by so many friends, family and acquaintances. Such a wonderful lady, in the old fashioned sense of the word,such a tireless worker for Rotary, for polio and for all the other organisations she was associated with. She will be sorely missed. My condolences to Mary,Ann and all their families. Your eulogy Mary, was superb and captured so much of what a wonderful lady, Barbara was. Robin Aitken

"Aunty" Barbara was always beautifully presented, with her distinctive soft and musically accented voice, kind words, soft face, beautiful smile with laughter. It was always a treat to visit their place (yes the cooking, gardens and big home), and I can't believe I was only 5 when Uncle Bill passed as I have lovely big memories of him and thought I must have been much older. The service was a beautiful, inspiring, tribute and celebration of a lady and strong women who quietly got on and made big thoughtful contribtions. With much love

I have just enjoyed your beautiful farewell Auntie Barb I have so many happy memories of growing up on the other side of Newall Road from you. Your fat little sausage dog Leasel, geese and beautiful hydrangeas everywhere and lots of people coming and going. And your big welcoming sparkly eyed smile. You were always busy but we felt like you had all the time in the world for us. Meeting you again as an adult, I was always touched by your gentle grace, your warmth and genuine interest in me and mine and your modest beauty and elegance. Love to Mary and Anne and all those who will miss you deeply. Sally Moore

Sending love to you all as you remember this special woman, beautiful in every way. As well as being an amazing mother and grandmother she was a kind neighbour, friend and leader who had the ability to see what could be done and get alongside people to make it happen. Known to the Moore kids as “Auntie Barb and Mr Bill”, they so kindly allowed us to use their swimming pool, very deep, sometimes with frogs jumping nearby, and in a secluded dell at the bottom of the garden. Always a gracious woman, twinkling eyes and a smile to match. I’m sure her beautiful qualities live on in her whanau. She was a dear treasured friend and intelligent support for our mother Jennie. Arohanui Aveny

After over 30 years of sharing stories, laughing, sharing our birthday week together, listening to how proud she was of her family. How she loved them and appreciated her daughters support especially in her later years. Barbara told me she was a lucky lady but I believe we were all the lucky ones Barb having you in our lives xxx

Wonderful Williams whanau, what a marvellous life Barbara had! Privileged to have shared a small part of that - Arohanui Stockman whanau

I first met Barbara at her Rotary District Conference. She was talking about a project in India, I said can I help, next thing I am on a plane to India. I went to India with Barbara and Jean Phipps and we together put together a number of projects including dams, water projects, toilets and wash rooms. Her leadership, enthusiasm and her ability to communicate with everyone was great to see and be part of. Her willingness to walk up very steep hills several times a day to see progress on dam construction was inspirational as was her friendship and leadership. May she rest in peace, Colin Alford

Barbie was a remarkable woman, a true gentlewoman with a passion for learning and helping others. We feel enormous privilege to have shared part of our lives with her and were and continue to be inspired by her strength, wisdom and grace. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with family members. Lots of love Regan, Gena, Laura and Emily

Dear family of Barbara, I have just watched Barbara's service which was quite moving. My heart goes out to you all for loosing such a wonderful lady. My first association was through her brother Magnus Forbes who at the time was Chairman of Taranaki Federated Farmers Meat & Wool Section. I was also involved with TFF & Magnus & I went on to work closely for our Taranaki Farmers. After he & wife Jean moved to a new farm on Pembroke road in Stratford this backed onto a retirement farm my wife & I brought on Flint road west. Magnus offered to lease his farm over 26 years ago which we are still doing from he & Jean's son Dennis Forbes. But my closest relationship with Barbara was through Rotary. Mention was made of Barbara's desire to help poor countries but it was no doubt Rotary's pledge to rid the world of Polio that spurred her on to to help set up a new Trust called the "Ethel Grey Charitable Trust" only a few years ago now with the aim to encourage all mothers to see t5heir children are vaccinated & especially Polio. Ethel was a nurse in the Stratford Hospital with Barbara but died through Polio. The Trust was successful in funding two Taranaki Health Board cars with signs encouraging readers to vaccinate. There is so much more one could say about this amazing lady which I'm sure you all have great memories of. Barrie Smith MNZM JP.

We met Barbara during our Rotary Centennial District Governors 2004-2005 journey which took all of us around the world, so what a fabulous journey that was! We were a very close team, of which Barbara was a very special part. We always enjoyed her kindness, laughter & wisdom, so are privileged to have known Barbara as a true friend. Our thoughts are with Barbara's extensive family.

Please accept our deepest sympathy during the sad loss of your Mother. When our Friendship Club had visitors from here and overseas your Mothers garden was always a pleasure to visit. We had many enjoyable lunches and afternoon teas in the wool shed with your Mother, after a lovely tour of the garden. Your mother was a lovely lady. Sorry we could not be with you at the Service.

To my dearest Barbie, I will never forget your passion and zest for life. I will miss your smile that always lit up the room together with your laughter and great storytelling. You always inspired me with your wonderful travel stories that were always so adventurous, and how you were never afraid to try anything at least once. Rest in peace now. We love you forever and always, Renee, Glen and Ollie xx

Sending our love and sympathy to Mary and John, Anne and Ray , Robert and Lynn and families as you farewell Barbara, your much loved Mother and Grandmother. Barbara was a very valued friend of my late Mother and Father. Wendy and Ralph Broad and the extended Marshall family

To the families of Barbara, please accept my sincere condolences. What a wonderful woman Barbara was. Sincerely Wendy Clement 💐

Sending sincere condolences. I feel so fortunate to have experienced such warmth and love from ‘Aunty’ Barbara. Such a beautiful lady who has left us all the richer for sharing in her presence. I fondly recall aspirations to have a garden just like hers and to live with even a glimmer of her warmth, thoughtfulness and grace. A true treasure, my thoughts are with you all ❤️

To Mary & John Washer ,and to all your family and the wider Williams Family .Our Families condolences and sympathy go to you each one.You have certainly lost one of Lifes Gems from your Families.I have wonderful memories of many a lunch time meal shared around her table or a stroll through the garden pointing out her latest landscape remodel or the latest flower to bloom.As a sales person to her farm,her encouragement and zest for life was always the highlight of my week ,whenever i called at the Farm.It was an absolute priviledge to share a small part of her life.May God Bless you each one as you Celebrate Barbaras wonderful life ,may she continue to be a Gem in your lives as you cherish those special memories of her . Lindsay & Anita Maindonald &Family ( Eltham)

To Barbara's family. My thoughts are with you as you say goodbye to Barbara, a gracious lady. May she Rest in Peace.

I have more than 50 years of memories of Barbara's involvement and leadership with New Plymouth West Rotary Club membership representing pastoral farming in West Taranaki, commencing with husband, Bill Williams charter member and followed by their son Alistair. Barbara became 9940 District Governor in 2005. Her term in this role was notable for her Rotary Foundation project, the fundamental goals of which promote world understanding and peace. This was a distinctive International Aid Project, known as Ruchi. The initial project centered on rain water conservation and storage for individual households in remote villages in the Indian Himalayas, (Himachal Pradesh). Barbara led this unique project with funding, direction and management. The project then expanded to include securing a significant financial contribution from the NZ High commission in India, which funded the purchase of medical equipment and supplies to 4,500 beneficiaries across ten villages. None of this would have happened without Barbara's unique abilities and leadership. She continued to support this cause long after her term as District Governor ended. To Mary and John Washer and the greater Williams family, my sympathy and condolences. May Barbara now Rest In Peace. Sincerely, George W. Mason ONZM.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time , an amazing special lady . Will be missed by many , rest in peace from your two oldest grandchildren Tania and Shane, Gran may you lay in love ❤️ xxx

My dear friend Barbara, You were the most loving and caring person I knew. It was a privilege to be part of your life and work alongside you making the book (We can do anything). We had a lovely day when you took me around your beautiful gardens. It was a honor to be with you when received your Citizens Award, you were such a magnificent lady you were the patron for the Post Polio Group. Rest In Peace my friend. Shirley Hazlewood Q.S.M

Mary, John, Anne and Ray Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the passing of your mum A very special lady now at rest. Kind regards Maree and Brent

A very dear lady the very best mother-in-law one could ever wish for .Will miss you will also miss all the lovely chats we have had over the years you will always be in my heart forever dear mum ❤️ rest in peace with Barry love Lynnxx

Mum, so much beauty, grace and love, you touched my heart in so many ways with your strength and smile even on the darkers days. My lovely lady, these memories of you will always be in my heart. Lynn

My dear, kind friend and neighbour, my inspiring role model who showed me how to become a Farmer's Wife. You shared so much of yourself with others and your community. For years Women's Division drew on your hospitality, and generosity. You ran the Rural National Library Service, we celebrated often in your woolshed. Your extensive garden, Hikurangi, was enjoyed by thousands of visitors in the Garden Festivals. My garden had many plants named Barbara, grown from your cuttings shared at W.D. Garden Circus. You gave great service, your time and effort, to Rotary International. You led NZ contributions to the significant WHO Campaign to vaccinate children worlwide against the debilitating disease Poliomyelitis. You have been the epitome of a hard working, level headed farmer, managing mostly on your own since Bill died about 40 years ago. For me, you made living at the top of Newall Road much easier and happier for me. I still continue to appreciate your friendship. My love to Mary, Ann and Robert and strength to cope with the loss of your gentle but strong, beautiful, gracious Mother. Breathe easily now my dear Friend, you have earned your rest. Jennie.