Barbara CARLTON

BARBARA MARY CARLTON Barbara Mary Carlton (née Black) died on August 9, 2021, at Bayfield Inlet, Ontario, age 86. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Edward (Ted) Carlton, her sister Rosemary Torrance and her son Timothy. She will be greatly missed by her siblings, Elizabeth Horsey; Carol Lundy; and Harry Black (Joanne); her brother-in-law Paul Torrance; her children Chris (Nga); Elizabeth (Gary); Ted (Mary) and Victoria (Anthony); and her daughter-in-law, Claudia. She was "Nana" to nine grandchildren: Matthew, Patrick, Claire, Olivia, Jane, Laura, Ellen, Audrey and Ellie. Barbara was born November 19, 1934 in Toronto, the eldest of 5 siblings. She looked back fondly on her early years in Leaside - an Irish Catholic neighbourhood at that time - where life centered around the church and school. The family moved to Cornwall and then to Oshawa during her high school years. Barbara was always an eager student and was determined to attend the University of Toronto, despite her father's admonitions that she'd "just get married anyway". She was awarded a scholarship from the Oshawa University Women's Club to attend St. Michael's College, where she lived at St. Joseph's Residence and graduated with honours English in 1955, winning the gold medal. She recalled those years being amongst the happiest of her life, particularly because she met and fell in love with her future husband, Ted, having met him in the "Coop" one Friday afternoon. Last Saturday she fondly recalled that it was the anniversary of their engagement. They were married December 29, 1955. After graduation, the newlyweds moved to Galt (Cambridge) in 1956 and started a family, ultimately having five children. On having her first-born, Christopher, Barbara was ecstatic and was astonished to discover just how wonderful parenthood was. She relished the many joys and challenges of motherhood, often saying she was so fortunate to have had the best of both worlds - being both a mother and having a career. Later in life she was equally enthralled by her grandchildren and her role as "Nana". A trip to the library at the age of 5 inspired Barbara's passion for reading and ultimately her career. Encouraged by her husband, she returned to complete her library science degree while she had four children under the age of 9. She joined the Galt Public Library, eventually leading the reference department at the Cambridge Library & Gallery. This role was a perfect match for her resourcefulness and her curiosity of mind as a life-long learner. Ever the book lover, one of her best pieces of advice was to "never go anywhere without a book". Barbara was, perhaps, the City of Cambridge's greatest ambassador. She loved its history, neighbourhoods, and people. She built a large and devoted group of friends through the library, church, CFUW, the "Hiking Herd", book and bridge clubs, and her years of volunteer service to Cambridge Memorial Hospital. She and Ted had a dynamic group of friends with whom shared all of life's milestones. Her devoted marriage to Ted was the thread that ran through all aspects of her life. Together they took on life's adventures including a year abroad in England, the renovation of a century old home, and a cottage on Georgian Bay which has been the family summer home for 40 years. Despite having travelled to many wonderful parts of the world, Barbara thought that the windswept islands of the Canadian Shield were the most beautiful place on earth. It was fitting that her final chapter closed on a sunny day on Swallowdale Island. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 13, 2021 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick's Parish, 53 Wellington Street, Cambridge. Space is limited and those wishing to attend are asked to register in advance by visiting www.couttsfuneralhome.com . Masks and social distancing will be required. A live broadcast of the service will be available for those not able to attend. To view, please visit the funeral home web page at 11 a.m. and click "join livestream". In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Federation of University Women - Cambridge scholarship fund (https://cfuwcambridge.wordpress.com/scholarships/) would be appreciated by the family.