Barbara M. WADE

Peacefully, yet suddenly, after a brief illness in her 89th year. Beloved wife of the late Art Wade. Loving mother of Nancy, Jim, and the late Wendy Wade; doting grandmother of Jenna, Tom, and Rob (Magda) Wade; ecstatic great-grandmother of Layla. Loving sister of the late Bob Sutherland and Ilse and family and the late Suzanne Sutherland and family. Dear friend of Dorothy Wade and cherished cousin of Janet Lye. Barb lived life to the fullest. She and Art were married for 49 years and their home was a gathering place filled with love, laughter, good company, and parties for any and every occasion, especially poolside celebrations. Family vacations included cottaging at Rockwood, Wawanesa, Six Mile Lake, and winter drives to Myrtle Beach and Disney World. Retirement from teaching with the Toronto Catholic District School Board led to many wonderful winters in Florida with Art, soaking up the sunshine and cheering on their beloved Blue Jays. Enduring the loss of Art in 2006 and numerous bouts of cancer and various surgeries, Barb remained very social and active. This past summer, she was presented with a plaque honouring her 30 years of involvement with the ESSA Slo-Pitch Association. She was a dedicated Toronto sports fan, loved to play board games and cards, especially bridge, which she played several times a week. Barb had a passion for travel and adventure. She cruised extensively and had a trip to Antarctica planned for February. She cherished her time with her condo Social Committee friends, coffee groups, and lunches and dinners with longtime friends. She loved to entertain in her home as well. Like Art, Barb had a special gift for maintaining connections and friendships across the years. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 3055 Bloor Street West, Toronto, on Thursday, January 16th at 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow immediately at a nearby location. For those who can not attend, the funeral service will be livestreamed at https://youtube.com/live/tfBkhf2rq4U For those who wish, donations may be made to a favourite of Barb's: www.FamousPeoplePlayers.com or to a charily of your choice. Online condolences may be shared through www.turnerporter.ca.