Barbara Dziurda

1950 - 2014

DZIURDA

With broken hearts, the family of Barbara Ann Marie Dziurda, announce her passing on Saturday, December 13, 2014 with loving family by her side. Born in Nipigon on September 16, 1950, Barbara died at TBRHSC of metastatic inflammatory breast cancer, she was 64 years old.

The luckiest day of Barb's life was the day she met her loving husband Ted. She married the handsome french fry lover that she served many times, while working as a waitress at the Embassy Grill. Together they worked hard to build a successful life. They were proud of each other and shared an inspiring love story.

Barbara established her passions early and spent her life dedicated to them. She loved her family, living on the beach, and running her store. Barb's work ethic was second to none, and this resulted in her being a successful businesswoman for 28 years. She was so incredibly proud of the business she built and she never gave up her dream to get well and go back to work. Barb missed the friendship of her customers, she thought of them as family, and they knew it. Being strong, a hard worker and enjoying everything life had to offer were very important qualities to her and an integral part of who she was.

Barb loved family time in the hot sun at her home on Floral Beach, followed by a cold beer around the campfire at night. She loved that her home was the gathering place in summer, on holidays and special occasions.

Being "Gramsy" to Sophia and Isabella brought an enormous amount of happiness and joy to Barb's life. There was nothing she wouldn't do for them or with them, and she made them the center of her world. Barb was the best gift-giver ever! If you were the lucky recipient it was obvious that she took the time to choose something that was perfect for you. Christmas at Gramsy's house was something that cannot be forgotten. Opening presents was an all-day event!

Barb loved her life and did not want to leave. She had great plans for the future. We will always remember her strength, determination and love. Even though cancer took over the last years of her life, we will remember so much more about her. We will remember Barb's beautiful smile, her infectious laugh, her zest for life, and especially her tell-it-like-it-is approach.

Barbara was an incredible person and will forever be missed by her loving husband of 45 years, Ted, her daughter Deanna (Andy Maltese), son Chad (Lisa Ferris), cherished granddaughters Sophia and Isabella Maltese, her sisters Linda MacDonald (Leonard), Deborah MacDonald, Laurie Lankinen, and her brother Richard MacDonald.

Barbara was predeceased by her mother Marie MacDonald, brother Robert MacDonald, and sister Donna MacDonald.

Barbara believed in creating memories in everyday life, and that's how she would like to be remembered. The family will be celebrating Barb's life privately. A condolence book will be set up at her store, Zaba's, at 7 South Cumberland that we encourage friends and family to come in and sign.

A heartfelt thank-you to the special angels who visited Barb at home throughout her illness. You gave her comfort, and provided her with friendship and love. Your compassion will be remembered always.

The family wishes to thank the TBRHSC Cancer Clinic for their excellent care. In particular Drs. Vergidis, Anthes, and Simpson – Barb wholeheartedly entrusted you to be her partners in the best fight ever! Also to Amy and all of the nurses of the cancer clinic and 1A – nursing is a calling and you showed this with the love and care you gave Barb. We can never thank you enough.

On-line condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com