LACE, Barb

Barbara Jean Lace (nee Patterson) passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 in London, Ontario. Barb is survived by her pride and joy in life, her three daughters: Janice Hindley (Scott Henderson), Pam Roel, and Marsha Lace; and, her beloved grandchildren Olivia Hindley, Bennett Hindley, Julia Roel and John Bandejas. She was a very special “Auntie Barb” to numerous nephews and nieces, especially to Les Lace, Phil Sator, Susan Hale, and Michelle, Johnny and Matthew Patterson. Sister-in-law and good friend to Judy McDonald, Barb was predeceased by her beloved brother, John Patterson, who she adored. Barb was born in Kingston, Ontario, grew up in Mimico, and later moved with her young family to St. Thomas, Ontario where she first took a job as a cashier at Gifford’s Farm Markets before embarking on a career with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. She loved helping people, especially seniors, she had the patience and understanding for them. She eventually had her own office as a personal banking representative and received numerous awards for her outstanding customer service. Barb was a “people person”. She loved bowling with her girlfriends, dancing, social time at her trailer, and was active in her church, St. Andrew’s United in St. Thomas, serving as Treasurer for several years. In retirement, she became a member of the St. Thomas Lions Club,eventually serving as Club Vice President, President, Zone Chairman and Regional Chairman. She received the Lions International Helen Keller Fellowship award for an individual “who through untiring service has given light in the darkness, warmth in the cold, compassion in the hurt, and humanity in the suffering to her fellow beings. She lives her creed “Service Unto Others.” Barb loved going to bat for the underdog,challenging any injustice, and living by the Golden Rule “Do Unto Others”; however, she could be brutally honest, and didn’t suffer fools. If you couldn’t take an honest answer or opinion from Barb, you didn’t ask but she might have offered it to you regardless. Above all, everything she did in her life was for her family: sacrificing for them; supporting and encouraging them; ensuring they all pursued their interests and obtained postsecondary educations; and, loving them unconditionally. She truly was the wind beneath our wings. A private family service will be held. Charitable donations may be made to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.