Barbara Amanda Rankin (née Siegel)
September 28, 1939 – October 30, 2026
Barbara Amanda Rankin, 87, of London, Ontario, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2026, in London, Ontario. She was born on September 28, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Harold and Mary Siegel.
Barb attended the University of Michigan, where she was a proud member of Sigma Kappa sorority. Following a blind date and a whirlwind courtship, she married the love of her life, Robert G. Rankin, and moved from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, to London, Ontario. Together they built a loving home and raised seven children: Beth, twins Richard and Rob, Becky, Randy, Amanda, and Aimee.
Family was her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. She will be remembered above all as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she found deep fulfillment in raising her children and nurturing the generations that followed.
As an active member of the London community she enjoyed many years of golf and tennis at the London Hunt Club and was a member of the May Court Club. Above all, she gave her time and passion to Big Brothers Big Sisters of London and Area, firmly believing in the power of mentorship to change young lives. In 1989, the Barbara Rankin Golf Classic was established in her honour to support the organization. The tournament continues today, drawing more than 100 participants each year, and has raised nearly $1 million for local BBBSOLA programs, a legacy of which she was immensely proud.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, Barb never missed a chance to cheer on her beloved Michigan Wolverines. She loved to ski, and she taught her children and grandchildren how to water ski. Her happiest times were the lively summers at the family cottage in Muskoka, surrounded by family and friends.
Barb was known for her warmth, generosity, and remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome – her smile would light up any room. She had a quick wit, an infectious laugh, and an optimism that carried her through life’s joys and challenges. An exceptional hostess, she had a gift for bringing people together, whether at family gatherings, cheering from the sidelines, or offering thoughtful advice. Her kindness, strength, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Barb formed cherished friendships through many years of shared reading with the London Ladies Literary League. She was also an accomplished knitter, and the beautiful sweaters she made will be treasured by her family for generations to come.
Barb is lovingly remembered by her children, Elizabeth Cockrell, Richard Rankin (Ellen), Rebecca Rankin King, Amanda Lampard (Scott), and Aimee Oabel (Paul); her daughter-in-law, Erin Rankin Nash (David); her grandchildren, Christy, Ashley, Haley, Mary, Robert, Andrew, Ali, Stefanie, Katherine, Caroline, Matthew, Benjamin, and Madeleine; and her great-grandchildren, Xavier, Adele, William, Finn, Eloise, David, Zara, Austin, and Henry. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert G. Rankin (2021); her sons, Randall Harold Rankin (1973) and Robert Clark Rankin (1991); and her grandson, William Robert Cockrell (2024).
Her warmth, grace, and generous spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at University Hospital and the Parkwood Institute for the compassionate care Barb received.
Visitation on Thursday from 5-7 pm at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James Street at Richmond. The funeral service will be conducted at Metropolitan United Church, 468 Wellington Street at Dufferin Ave. on Friday, November 6 at 1 pm. A private family interment will take place at Woodland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of London and Area.