Condolences
Aunty Barb will forever be remembered as a strong woman she worked hard and had so much love to give.
She loved her children and grandchildren and in a recent conversation she said she was very felt blessed that her boys all found wonderful wives that are "such good moms".
This summer we had the pleasure of a visit from Aunty Barb, a true gift filled with memories my husband and I now will cherish. She was in awe with the deck overlooking the small open field wrapped in Evergreens. The deck nothing fancy has a roof. She said, "I could sit out here all day, oh on a rainy day".
On the first day I had picked a bunch of cherries from our tree and decided to make jam. She was there to guide me all the way and well no surprise it turned out awesome. She shared stories of how she and mom would spend days on end baking and preserving for their families. Buying bananas by the case to make Banana bread. We sat on the deck it was a beautiful day I tended to my flower pots as they were a bit dry and refilled my hummingbird feeders all 3 of them well in no time we were surrounded by hummingbirds. She was in awe that at times there were as many as 6 or 9 and they were loud fighting over the feeders. She tried to explain there are 3 feeders plenty to go around. But just like kids they all wanted the same one.
As if her prayers were answered on her second day we woke up to a slow rain all day. With a smile on her face she said do you mind if I go out on the deck in my jammies. Knowing better than to say go out naked for all I care. I laughed and told her we live in the country wear what you want. I gave her a blanket to cover her legs and our 2 dogs didn't leave her side one at her feet and one under her blanket adding warmth. She sat there all day other than to come in for a bowl of homemade soup. I swear my Golden retriever kept looking at me like why are you making her sit outside in the rain? We had a great visit mostly about our children and our time of being single moms and she spoke of the many hours of work she did in a week to provide the essentials. But she never spoke in a negative way, because as a mom, you what you have to provide for your children and to her the only thing that brought her more joy than her children was her grandchildren. She was content in her life and enjoyed her freedom be it sitting and crocheting, doing a puzzle or her trip out East with Mom a Best friend of 43ish years. I have heard many stories and well those two had a blast and left warm memories at every place they stopped.
She lived her life focused on others she gave everything she had to looking after those around her. She struggled to feel it was acceptable to do what she wanted for a long time knowing that perhaps it would upset someone. It isn’t easy giving so much and then feeling it is acceptable to look after your own needs and wants. But in the recent years she realized her children were all raised and she was so darn proud of you all and she was confident you all had the skills to look after yourselves and your families. She started to do things for herself, make her own life and do thing she wanted.
Last winter she got to try out the snow bird life in Yuma with Mom and Dad, life in the park was peaceful she really enjoyed her quiet time in the Arizona Room (for us non locals it is a screened in deck). But she could also be seen cruising in the convertible with the top down. A trip to see the London Bridge or San Diego to see the Seals. Or the Margaritas in Mexico, Even the block parties. She learned a lot in her life through her joys, struggles and heartbreak. This made her the woman she was and from the lessons learned she was always there to lend her thoughts. Maybe we didn’t always appreciate what she said or how it was said but remember she did it out of love in hopes we wouldn’t have to learn the hard way. She spoke her mind and I loved that about her. I will forever cherish our time together.
Shantelle
I was so sorry to hear of Barbs passing. My thoughts are with all of the family.
my thoughts thinking of all of us together how much fun it was to be included as family for so many yrs
my sympathy.
love Linda Kirby
Dear (Miller) and Fox family - I knew Barb from JNH - although I worked in the office 20 years, I did get to know that Barb was a devoted caring woman to her residents. She was admired and well-liked by so very many staff. Always with a ready smile you were warmed by her presence. God Bless all of you and may perpetual light shine on Barb. Louise (Theriault) Connell
My husband and I met this very special lady 2 years and she brought us so much joy in the few days we had time to be together ,we will miss her greatly .
My daughter, Chastity will sorely miss her. My condolences, to the family, friends and co workers of this sweet lady, according to her.
I worked with Barb at JNH & St Joes,she was a fun,funny,motherly and I felt like I knew her all my life. Barb you were a very loving thoughtful lady may you RIP in your eternal kitchen and garden
Words cannot express my sincere condolences. Barb would tell you herself I didn’t like her at first. And she would remind me over the years of that. Especially to my mom. From her stories of putting the phone in her trunk to take away from the kids to locking her freezer so the kids don’t eat all her treats. I always liked her scaulfuls. Not sure how to spell.
. I feel blessed to have had her in my life. I will cherish all my memories and the beautiful Christmas wreath she gave me. Sully she called.
Barb was so kind and helpful when I was a new employee at St. Joe's.
Sad news she will be missed:(
Beckett Glaves
Funeral Home
88 Brant Avenue
Brantford, ON
N3T 3H3
P: (519) 752-4331
