BARBARA MAUD PEPPER (nee DRAPER) Of Toronto, died on April 13, 2017, at age 89. Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, to parents Harold and Janet (nee Tompkins), she had three siblings, David, Jean and Norman. As a child, Barb quickly excelled on her beloved cello and she and two siblings formed the Draper Trio, enjoying acclaim across Canada. Barb moved to the US to further her cello studies at Curtis and Juilliard, including with her mentor Leonard Rose and settled afterwards in New York City. She adored the Canadian Rockies and spent summers as a young woman hiking and performing in a piano trio at the Banff Springs Hotel. Throughout a long career and often with her (now deceased) husband of more than 50 years, violinist Joseph Pepper, Barb performed in many orchestras and chamber groups worldwide, as well as in the pits of New York’s Radio City Music Hall, The National Ballet of Canada and the Canadian Opera. As a woman, Barb was a proud pioneer in a previously male dominated profession. She was also an accomplished knitter, loved solving crossword puzzles and playing Scrabble, enjoyed travelling, sweets and afternoon tea and appreciated the beauty of flowers. Barb will be especially remembered as a dedicated, patient and kind teacher to many string players over the years. She is survived by her daughter Rachel, granddaughter Frances, brother Norman and nieces and nephews David, Paul, Gwyn and Andrea. A visitation will be held at the Morley Bedford Funeral Home, 159 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, on Sunday, April 30 from 1-4 p.m.