Barbara Mae "Barb" Best

Barbara Mae (Bickerton) Best of Waterville, Kings Co., N.S., was born September 8, 1928, in Dartmouth, NS, and died on Monday, June 22, 2026. For almost 98 years she made this world a better place.

Barb was the fourth child of Irvine and Carolyn (Salter) Bickerton. She treasured the letters sent to her by her father, Major Irvine Bickerton, from Europe during the war. She was a caring sister to Ruth, Margaret, John, Carman, Bob and Jim, and didn’t mind getting into a bit of mischief with them.

Carl MacKinnon Best was the love of Barb’s life, and he admitted to being smitten with her until the day he died. In their early years of marriage, Barb and Carl lived frugally, once walking all the way from Waterville to Kentville so that they could celebrate Christmas with the Bickerton's. Barb and Carl were married for over 64 years, during which time, Barb cared for Carl’s mother Ina, as well as her own parents.

Barb was a devoted mom to Colin and Carman; and the ‘Best’ ever Grammie to Megan, Jessie, Kelsey, Deidra and Brandon. Grammie was the go-to person after school, or when sad things happened, and when love and treats were needed. She was Great Grammie to Brielle, Liston and Xander.

Barb was a talented painter, crafter, hairstylist, baker and gardener. She was active her whole life, playing sports and swimming with her grandchildren, and enjoying the outdoors. At 90 she walked park trails, marvelling at the fullness of the forests. At 93 she swam like a kid in the outdoor pool, astonishing herself and family alike.

Known for her generous spirit, Barb practiced gratitude daily, well before this was trendy. She laughed heartily especially with her sister/BFF Marg and her grandchildren. As a faithful member of the United Church of Canada, Barb had lifelong friends in the UCW. For the United Church Women and the Waterville & District Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Barb baked thousands of rolls and molasses cookies and served hundreds of community suppers. Friends can attest that Barb carried loss with dignity and grace, thus was able to support others in their grief.

Barb was predeceased by her parents, her husband Carl; her son, Carman; and siblings, Ruth, Marg, John, Carman and Bob. She is survived by her son, Colin (Mardi); her brother, Jim (Barb); grandchildren, Megan (Brem), Jessie, Kelsey (Jon), Deidra (Jamie), Brandon; great-grandchildren, Brielle, Liston, Xander. Barb was loved by many nieces and nephews.

Colin would like to thank Graceview Residence, and Barb’s family physicians Dr. Gina Dickson and Dr. Michelle Saxon. Donations in honour of Barb can be made to Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. We all will miss her. A celebration of life will take place on a future date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, Middleton, toll free 1-855-825-3448. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com