Rita Barski

February 09, 1930 - February 16, 2015

Rita Barski's character was, like her stories, complex, funny and thoughtful to the last detail or nuance. Of Jewish heritage, she was born in London, England. During the Second World War, she was evacuated to the countryside in "Operation Pied Piper" along with thousands of children to escape the bombing. She used her humor, intelligence and ability to captivate and entertain those around her to overcome her shyness and survive loss. She immigrated to Canada after marrying another survivor, Henry Barski, who had escaped occupied Poland to fight in the British Air Force. They shared an enduring love and understanding of each other that transcended time. She lived with a classic style and a passion for social, political and criminal justice. She succumbed after a long illness precipitated by a broken heart with the loss of her husband. She is survived by two sisters and a nephew, who live in England, a cousin, who lives in Arizona, a niece, who lives in Poland, her god-daughter and those who mourn the loss of an exceptional woman who touched their lives.