Barbara Louise Fox was born in Port Macquarie on 28 February 1938 and spent her primary school years in Dungog in the Hunter Valley. In 1949, the Fox family moved to Sydney, where Barb initially attended Hornsby Home Science School. An unexpected gift from her grandfather’s estate enabled her to continue her secondary education at Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC School’s name at the time).

Barb was appointed a Senior School Prefect in 1955, her final school year at MLC School. Before sitting her Leaving Certificate, Barb and her peers enjoyed a school excursion to Broken Hill and South Australia. Barb also attended a Scripture Union beach mission and was inspired to become a missionary nurse.

In 1956, Barb began her nurse training at Royal North Shore Hospital. After graduating, she undertook midwifery training at Queen Victoria Hospital in Launceston, followed by an appointment as a Registered Nurse at Ryde District Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital in Sydney. There, she worked across all departments, including the Operating Theatre and Tutorial Department.

At a fellowship gathering at St Stephen’s Church in Willoughby, where she worshipped, Barb was inspired by a visiting missionary from the Bush Church Aid Society (BCA), who spoke about providing medical care to people in remote areas. In late 1963, Barb joined the BCA field staff as a Nursing Sister, practising as both a midwife and general nurse in South Australia.

Her first posting was at Wudinna, approximately 578 kilometres north-west of Adelaide. This marked her introduction to outback life, where she developed a deep appreciation for the resilience of farmers, station workers, and railway communities. She later served in Cook, Ceduna, and Tarcoola, where she was sister-in-charge. A reference written upon her departure in October 1968 described Barb as having “made a professional contribution, her deep sense of vocation and spiritual convictions having motivated her relationship with people in small communities.” In later years, she reflected on this time in her book, Fox Tales from Far Flung Places.*

Barb returned to Sydney in 1968 and resumed work at Royal North Shore Hospital. In 1971, she and her nursing companion Rosemary travelled to England by ship. After touring England and Europe, Barb spent several months caring for patients with leukaemia at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Surrey.

She returned to Royal North Shore Hospital in 1972, working in the Coronary Care Unit before becoming Charge Nurse of the Oncology Ward. In 1980, she was appointed Deputy Director of Nursing at Neringah Hospital in Wahroonga, where she developed expertise in palliative care. Three years later, she became Director of Nursing at Greenwich Hospital, a position she held until her retirement in 1998, following a diagnosis of Huntington’s disease.

Barb was a deeply compassionate person, known for her care and concern for others. She made the most of every situation and maintained a positive outlook, even while facing significant health challenges, including breast cancer. She loved cooking, entertaining, fishing, and cricket, and approached life with a determined “can-do” attitude. Her rich sense of humour and ability to find joy in everyday moments were among her greatest gifts.

Barb was fortunate to have the support of her close friend, Rosemary, who helped her remain at home in Woy Woy for as long as possible. Together they shared both joyful and difficult times. Barb focused on living in the present and did not dwell on the future. In 2017, she moved into Peninsula Village Nursing Home, where she continued to enjoy life and remained grateful for the care she received. With a room overlooking peaceful surroundings, good food, supportive staff, regular church services, visits from friends, and outings home, Barb felt truly blessed. She held a strong faith in God, trusting in His provision and knowing she was deeply loved.

* Fox Tales from Far Flung Places (2003) is a 96-page biographical book by Barbara Fox, documenting her experiences as a nurse in rural South Australia, particularly Tarcoola, published by DSAMC Education. It details life in the outback, featuring letters written during her time with the Bush Church Aid Society. (Copy available to read at the National Library of Australia: NL 610.730994 F791F)