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Barbara McNAIR Obituary

McNAIR, Barbara Enid November 2, 2021 Taken too soon after a short but courageous battle with the evil that is cancer. Survived by her loving and devoted spouse of 34 years Rob Carson. She will be deeply missed by her mother Audrey, Barbara's sisters and their spouses: Pam Davison (Mike), Brenda (Bill Burr) and Linda McNair. Adored and appreciated by her in laws – mother-in-law Rosemary Carson, and brothers/sisters-in-law John (Paula), Tom (Lynda) and Orrin. Her void will be mourned by her nieces and nephew: Lisa Livermore (Jordan, children Branden and James), Lindsay Pace (Jon), Becky Carson (Matt), Rachel and Tommy Carson. Predeceased by her father Ernie and her father-in-law Robert (Bob). Barbara was born in Kingston, Ontario in 1958 and spent her early youth at the family home in Harrowsmith. She was very bright, accelerated a grade in public school and graduated with honours from Sydenham High School. She left home at 18 to find her way and with a definite love for fashion and the arts she attended St. Lawrence College in Kingston graduating with a diploma in Fashion Arts, of course. She then moved to Toronto without a committed job offer and found work with various temp agencies before landing at Famous Players (Cinemas) working as a personal assistant to a VP where she met Rob. She moved from there to Thunder Thighs Costumes, which was more to her talents and stayed there for a lengthy period as assistant manager. A shorter stint in administration at an ESL school followed before finally landing her dream job at Canada's National Ballet School, where she worked as a Registration Associate until her passing. She enjoyed travelling and visited many of the world's greatest places with Rob – too many to name. She also loved attending the opera, concerts and the theatre with her husband. A lot of her time during the summer was spent at her family cottage at Lower Beverly Lake. A lover of nature extraordinaire especially cats, birds and butterflies she made friends easily and was a dedicated, diligent employee wherever she worked with a smile that could light up a room. She definitely danced to her own tune. "Say not in grief, 'she is no more' but in thankfulness that she was." Fly little butterfly, fly. Soar in Peace. Love you Nerby forever. A special thanks to the amazing nurses and doctors at Mt. Sinai and Bridgepoint Health Private family gathering to be followed by a celebration of life (TBD). To request info regarding the celebration, please e-mail [email protected] subject line BEM. Donations, in lieu of flowers, would be appreciated to Canada's National Ballet School (naming Barbara McNair), Toronto Humane Society, Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge, Pefferlaw, or the Canadian Cancer Society.

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Published by Toronto Star on Nov. 4, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara McNAIR

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35 Entries

celeste shirley

February 24, 2022

I met Barbara once and she was kind and quiet, it was towards the hardest part of her life. Her gentleness pervaded the room like a mystique--someone that you don't know anything about and would like to know about. Rob, you and Barbara had/have a lovely connection.
Celeste

Rob Carson

November 25, 2021

Only her inner beauty could surpass her external radiance.

M. Ramacciotti

November 16, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of Barbara's passing. I always admired her compassion and humour. I am glad to have known her however long ago.

Ian Drummond

November 15, 2021

My condolences to Barb's family and friends. I worked at Thunderthighs in the early 90s and Barb's office was always the oasis of calm in the daily maelstrom of rentals.

Ian Drummond

November 15, 2021

My condolences to her family and friends. I worked at Thunderthighs off and on in the early 90s and Barb's office was always the oasis of calm in the maelstrom of daily rentals.

Sierra Constantinides

November 15, 2021

I am so sorry to hear this. My deepest sympathies to her husband Rob, and her family and close friends. We worked together for 2-3 years at Thunder Thighs. She was a lovely woman! I am saddened to hear this. Gone too soon!

Lisa Livermore

November 15, 2021

It is hard to put into words the sadness of losing Aunt Barb. There truly is no one like her, gentle, kind, with such a zest for life and laughter. The pain of her loss will be one that will take so many of us a lot to overcome, none more so than Uncle Rob, my heart goes out to you. I wish there was something that could be said to make the pain better but know there are lots of people to love and support you when you need it.
I will miss her so much and it is so true that grief is the price we must pay for love.

Lindsay Pace

November 14, 2021

Aunt Barb was a caring and compassionate women who I looked up to from a very young age. Her cool sense of style and independence was always inspiring. My most cherished memories of Barb were back at Lower Beverly Lake when her and Rob would come for summer vacation at the cottage. We had so many fun nights playing board games, lounging on the dock, and cooking great meals surrounded by family.

Later in my academic endeavors I lived with Barb and Rob while finishing my nursing placement at Toronto Western Hospital. This was a stepping stone to a job in that very same ICU. I will always appreciate the love and support I felt from both Barb and Rob during that time, we had many fun nights together when I was in Toronto. Barb and I would make fun cocktails on the weekends, and occasional shopping expeditions.... Obviously anyone who knew Barb knows what a talented shopper she was!

She was a calm and gentle voice in a hectic and loud world. She was easy to talk to and she cared about others (2 and 4-legged alike), and would go out of her way to help those in need. She was a beautiful person inside and out and she will be missed dearly. I feel lucky to have spent as much time as I did with her throughout my life and keep those memories close to my heart.

ROBERT CARSON

November 10, 2021

Dear Barbara,
Meeting you was the best thing that ever happened in my life. I could not have asked for a better friend, muse, confidant and companion. You made me in to a more mature man and a better human being. You were the sane rationality to my inane illogic. You were a great listener and a thoughtful, intelligent responder. You were much smarter than many people, me included. Your amazing sense of humour clicked with my wacky antics. You were a good friend to your workmates and have developed lasting friendships at every workplace. Your love for animals and nature is unmatched and truly heart-warming. You tolerated my many faults and have forgiven me much more than I deserved over the years. You are the sweetest, loveliest human being I have ever known or will know.
We have had an amazing life together and have travelled to many, many interesting and varied locations (Paris, London, Stonehenge, Newcastle, Rome, Florence, Venice, Cinque Terre, Manhattan, Boston, San Francisco to name a few). Together we enjoyed watching many sporting events (1 World series game at Skydome, a New England Patriots game in Foxborough just to name 2) and I think I turned you in to a baseball and basketball fan. We have had many amazing dinners out in various countries (11 Madison Park was the highlight).
I am deeply sorry for any pain or anguish I may have caused you no matter how small.
I love you with every fibre of my being.
I will miss you and the hole in my heart will never heal.
Every time I see a butterfly I will think of you and will shed a tear. You were taken far too soon and my life will not be the same without you in it.
All my love forever darling,

Rob

Brenda McNair

November 9, 2021

Goofing around at the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto

Julie Speares

November 9, 2021

Barb knew how to enjoy life!

ROBERT CARSON

November 8, 2021

She was always happiest around animals.

Maria Clark and Bob Drennan

November 8, 2021

Remembering a beautiful friend, so many good times spent together.
Barb was a kind, generous open minded person, we had many wonderful discussions about anything and everything.
We are deeply saddened but so very glad to have known Barb.

'Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in times of sorrow'
- Robert Louis Stevenson

Condolences to Rob, the McNair family and all who knew and loved Barb, she will be missed.

Rob

November 8, 2021

Audrey Spence-Thomas

November 7, 2021

I am deeply saddened to hear of Barb's passing. To Rob and all her beloved family I send my condolences. I worked with Barb at PLI Toronto. She was a wonderful colleague, a great office companion, and a good friend. We spent many hours sharing our moans and groans, and our laughs, about the difficult and the silly situations. Barb was brilliant at supporting the young overseas students in their attempts to reach their goals. In the last few weeks, I've been privileged to be in touch with her through text messages. I am devastated to have lost her again so soon. I will remember her with great respect and affection.

Linda McNair

November 7, 2021

My sister Barb was so good at remembering everyone. Every birthday, every Christmas, every important moment I received a card from Barb. I always looked forward to that. Special days will not be as special without that card in the mail.
She was generous and caring and I will miss her so much. We both loved our cats. She would tell me about the different birds that would come to the bird feeders. There was the constant hunt for the bird feeder the squirrels couldn't access.
On the last day I was able to see Barb I told her I loved her and she said she loved me to. Then she smiled and I said I would see her later. That was not to be but I was so glad I got to see her one last time. I will never forget what a kind and generous person she was. I was lucky to have such a person in my life and to be able to call her my sister. Love you forever Barb. My life has been better because you were a part of it. Linda

Julie Speares

November 7, 2021

Barbara was a creative and talented woman with a wonderful flair for fashion. She had a great sense of humour and I enjoyed the far too few times I spent with her over cocktails, discussing our cats and people. I feel honoured that I knew her and had occasion to spend time with her. Of note, the Dior exhibit at the Rom, the Downton Abbey exhibit at Spadina House, and the Philly cheese steak road trip to Orangeville. She will be truly missed.

Brenda McNair

November 6, 2021

As my next oldest sister I always looked up to Barbara. She had style, flair & creativity that I could never hope to imitate! I was remembering recently how she made - handmade - perfectly designed clothing for me & my younger sisters' Barbie dolls, they had massive wardrobes! It seems she was born with an interest in the arts, and she pursued that interest throughout her life.

Authenticity was a hallmark of Barb's character, it was how she confronted the circumstances of life whether positive or negative. Though I dearly wish she had not had to go through the ordeal of the last 18 months, she did so with courage & remained true to herself throughout.

I'm so grateful that Barb met her soulmate in Rob, who has loved, appreciated & respected her for more than 3 decades together. Our whole family is glad that she had him by her side. His grief must be overwhelming at this time, and I can only hope that loving memories will be some solace in the future.

I have a hole in my heart - I miss you Barb!

Anne Marie Circelli Jennings

November 6, 2021

Sadden to hear about Barb's passing. I went to SLC with Barb and after that moved to Toronto and we were roommates. She was a great person, always smiling. Stayed connected through Christmas Cards, FB and when I went to Toronto for work. Rob, may the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Tom Carson

November 6, 2021

My heart breaks for my dear brother Rob, no words can comfort after the loss of your true love. I will be there for anything you may need. I will always remember Barb with loving and great memories of wonderful family times. Barbara will be missed and always remembered for the amazing woman she was.

Tommy Carson

November 6, 2021

Barb was my aunt, my godmother and an amazing person. I will always remember her beautiful smile and her laugh whenever our family would have celebrations together. So smart and inspired, she truly was a role model to myself and my sisters. My deepest condolences go out to my Uncle Rob and the McNair family, stay strong we love you.

Rebecca Carson

November 6, 2021

My thoughts and prayers have been with Aunt Barb for many months, and now they are with the McNair family and my Uncle Rob.

The heartbreaking news has many people reminiscing of their fondest memories with Barb, and the one that sticks so vividly in my memory is when as young children she took my sister and I to Thunder Thighs. We spent the day exploring up and down the aisles, marvelling at the stunning costumes, trying on everything from goofy to high fashion, and laughing. Lots of laughing.

Aunt Barb was kind, caring and genuine. She had a wonderful laugh, and an extremely contagious smile. She will be unbelievably missed, remembered fondly and kept in our hearts forever.

“A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.“

Rebecca Carson

November 6, 2021

Tom Carson

November 6, 2021

My heart breaks for my dear brother Rob, no words can comfort after the loss of your true love. Rob I will be here for anything you may need.
Barbara was such a lovely person she will be sadly missed. I will always have very fond and fun memories of her, It was an honour to call her family.

Orrin Carson

November 6, 2021

So saddened to hear the passing of Barbara. I will miss her .My condolences to Rob and the McNair family

Pam Davison

November 6, 2021

I don't know where to begin to express what a loss Barbara's passing has been to myself and our family. I was the oldest of four sisters, and Barb was born about eighteen months after me. We grew up together, sharing experiences, lots of laughs and fun times, and so many conversations over the years. Not only have I lost a sister, but a good friend and confidante. Through Barb we gained a brother-in-law and good friend, Rob, and as terrible as this loss is for us, no one is feeling it more than him. As Barb said, Rob was her 'rock', and we are all so grateful that she had him in her life. Our deepest condolences to him, and we will do our best to support him and each other, and keep Barb's memory alive.

Lynda Carson

November 6, 2021

I will miss Barbara very much. She was definitely a person filled with grace and elegance. I always let my kids pick out gifts for her they would always picked a piece of jewelry. Once they were older I think they made good choices but in their younger years I am sure Barbara received some pretty hideous pieces. But you could count on it Barb would were that piece next time she saw the girls and praise them for their choice. She was absolutely a wonderful person. Graceful. Loved my family and we loved her. Her grace will surround us always.

Rachel Carson

November 6, 2021

I was so sorry to hear of Aunt Barb's passing, Uncle Rob and the McNair family are in my thoughts and prayers. Barbara was a great Aunt, spreading warmth and kindness wherever she went. I always enjoyed the walks that she, Uncle Rob and I would take after a big meal at any family get-together, they enjoyed being outdoors just as much as I and never said no to a walk no matter the weather. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

Rosemary Carson

November 6, 2021

Thinking of you with love

Jennifer Mestre

November 6, 2021

My heart goes out to Rob and Barb's family at this difficult time. I had the honour of working closely with Barb for the last six years and I have so many happy memories of our time together. Barb was so much more than a coworker - she was a dear friend, a confidant, and a mentor to me and I will miss her terribly. Barb was one of the most kind, sincere, and all around lovely people I've ever known. She touched the lives of many and she has left a lasting imprint on my life that I will carry with me always. I am so grateful to have known her. She was a truly special person, taken far too soon. May she rest in peace.

The Bennett family.

November 6, 2021

So sorry to hear about Barb's passing. Thinking of you at this time.

John & Paula Carson

November 5, 2021

Many, many memories of Barbara will stay with us. She will be sorely missed. Our condolences to the McNair family and, of course, to you Rob. You were her number one.

Maureen & Paul Sheridan

November 5, 2021

Who would have thunk that Harrowsmith could grow a perfect Peach?
Babs was just that. She was a charm.....loved lots of music....other people's cooking.....her cats Whisky & Zoe....and was the perfect foil to her Rob. Barb loved the city.....was so 'cosmopolitan'....we think they named the drink after her. Keen to please and showing no fear....one of the few people on this rock who would sample a 'never before had' cocktail...and say "That's nice....have a sip." Raise a glass to Barb please....condolences to all who loved her as we did. Safe journey. Peace.

Izabel Jacobowski

November 5, 2021

Rob, my dear friend, I have no words to express how sad it made me to hear about Barabara's passing, I only met her once but I know how much she meant to you and that is proof enough that she was indeed a very special person, my sincerest condolences.
“I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.” —Leo Buscaglia

Denise Swing & John Dymond

November 4, 2021

We are shocked and saddened by Barb’s passing. Always the friendly neighbour, ready for a chat while working away with Rob in their garden. We will miss her.

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