BARBARA FORRESTALL

BARBARA FORRESTALL Hero can be attributed to many and should be. Barbara Forrestall was a real hero. She did not wear a cape but instead wore a big smile. Her badge was Courage and Inspiration. A daughter, sister, aunt and friend, Barbara was born in 1957 in Valleyfield, Quebec. She grew up in Scarborough, Ontario and attended St. Kevin School, Notre Dame and Paris District High Schools. She started her career at CCH and then went on to work as a Real Estate agent. When she was 30 years old Barbara was diagnosed with Syringomyelia and Chiari Malformation and underwent three brain and spinal cord operations in one year. But our hero didn't give up. She started up a charity that would provide support to people like her who wanted to learn more about these conditions. With the encouragement of Dr. Charles Tator, Barbara started The Canadian Syringomyelia Network (CSN). With Dr. Michael Fehlings' assistance, CSN has raised over $400K for brain and spinal research. Barbara loved life and all those in her life. She was an inspiration to her family and those around her. She was in pain for many years but would always say "it could be worse" and she really meant it! She once told our Mother that she had Syringomyelia, Syringomyelia didn't have her. She was grateful for her life every day. You always felt better after a conversation with Barbara or "The Babs" as she often referred to herself. She was a great listener and had a wicked sense of humour that always left people in awe that she could be so positive given her situation. Everyone that met Barbara walked away a little more compassionate, a little more empathetic and certainly more willing to take their challenges in life head on because "it could be worse". She had lots of time and great advice for her nieces and nephews and they better know that she will be looking down to see that they are following it. Barbara's Annual Sing-A-Long Christmas party was legendary. It was the official start of the season where many of us gathered, sang carols and watched children grow up year after year as Santa Claus gave out gifts. Barbara was very social and loved parties, dancing, laughing and telling the odd salty joke. A bright light has left this world but thankfully it shone so brightly that those touched by it will have her in their hearts forever! Barbara was predeceased by her father Jim and is survived by her Mom Theresa, sister Madonna and brothers Vince (Donna) and Scott (Cathy). She was very proud of and will be missed by her nieces and nephews Ryan and Danielle, Adam and Erica, Alexandra, Thomas and David. Her cat, Rascal, will miss her too! She will also be dearly missed by her caregiver, dear friend and second sister Ofelia who shared her great sense of humour and was always there for Barbara. Visitation will be at Chapel Ridge Funeral Home, 8911 Woodbine Ave., Markham, ON L3R 5G1, 905-305-8508, on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. A Mass will be held at St. Patrick's Parish on Thursday, April 3rd at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow in the church hall. Address is 5633 Highway 7, Markham, ON L3P 1B6, 905-294-5955. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Syringomyelia Network in support of Brain and Spinal Cord Research.