Barbara Ashman

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our deeply loved wife, sister, mother, grandmother and friend, on Thursday evening, June 29 at Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre. As the sun went down, Barbara decided to follow it. Barbara fought a lengthy battle with breast and then secondary cancer. She had many ups and downs during this time but was always a beautiful, sweet and caring English Lady, through it all. Barbara was born and raised in Dudley England, where she attended school and college and worked at various occupations. On September 11, 1971, Barbara married her sweetheart Bob Ashman. In 1976 they came to Thunder Bay where they made their home. Barb worked at the M.T.O. office in Thunder Bay south until she retired due to health. Barbara and Bob became foster parents for 26 years and helped raise 17 children. This was only one of Barbara's great accomplishments. The love, patience, guidance and devotion she gave her kids was so great. Some still call her Mum. She touched so many hearts through her genuine warm and caring ways - lending an ear when you needed to talk, always willing to lend a hand, made her famous English Truffle for friends, concern for how you were doing ready with a hug when needed and so many more ways. Barb loved her gardening with Terry, years of Saturday Yard Saling, hosted Benefit Horseshoe Tournaments, enjoyed reading on their back deck with the dogs by her side and watching the squirrels & chipmunks, trips to Florida, her golfing with Bob, Bobby, James and Jan. She was quite competitive. While selling Avon she always gave her friends her discount and put something extra in your bag. Her family and friends were the most important part of her life and what kept her going. Barbara was predeceased by her parents Brenda and Bill Prestidge of Plymouth, England. She is survived by her husband Bob Ashman, daughter Terry Garner, sons Bobby Barr, Shawn Rafacz, James Sokoloski, granddaughter Shawna Rafacz, sister Mary Louise and brother-in-law George McNaughton of Plymouth, England, brother Charles Prestidge and family of Stratford Upon Avon, England, mother-in-law Dorthy and brother-in-law Stuart Ashman of Dudley West Midlands, England. As per Barbara's wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will take place at St. Michaels Anglican Church, 675 Red River Road on Monday, July 10th at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations to Northern Cancer Research Foundation may be made. * * * * Time has a mysterious kindness - it gives back to us what we have lost through wisdom and memories. Chance made us sisters Hearts made us friends Love did all else."