BARBARA LOUISE ROWE

BARBARA LOUISE ROWE August 9, 1930 - May 24, 2015 Barbara was an open, caring and generous person who welcomed the world into her life and home. Born and raised in Brazil, she was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Sylvia Rowe and her brother, Robert. She was a dear aunt to Leslie (nee Rowe) Burrows (Sean), Lisa Rowe and Robert Rowe (Tammy Shane), great-aunt to Nick and Alan Burrows, Kyle, Cory and Callum Clifford, Jessie, Aiden (AJ) and Henry Rowe and great-grandaunt to Jordan Clifford. A 1949 graduate of Ontario Ladies' College (Trafalgar Castle School), she was President of the athletic association and a recipient of the Strathcona Shield. Later she was President of the school's alumni. Barbara was a Vocational Special Education Teacher at Thornhill and Don Head Secondary Schools. She initiated a program coordinating work experiences for vocational and special education students and was a Principal of adult education for York Region. For her many contributions to community education, Barbara was awarded The Silver Jubilee Medal. Fluent in Portuguese and English, Barbara was a President of the Canadian Brazilian Society and served as a Court Interpreter. She was also a regular supporter of the Toronto Humane Society and an award winning Volunteer with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. For over 40 years, Barbara welcomed students from Brazil, China, Japan and other parts of the world into her home, enabling many to graduate from college and become Canadian citizens. She was a member of the North York YMCA and an avid aquafit participant. There, Barbara added to her wide network of friends who frequently gathered in her home and garden. Barbara will be dearly missed by her family and many friends including cousins Bud, Nicole and Adam Fisher, Jane Tucker and Kathy Grant whom she fondly referred to as her daughters, her neighbour Carlota Amorin, her loyal friend Lois Webber, her close friend of over 60 years Judy Harvie and most deeply by Gloria Roldan who faithfully enabled Barbara to live an active and joyful life over the last decade. A celebration of Barbara's life will be held at her home starting at noon on Saturday, June 27th. Donations in Barbara's memory may be made to Trafalgar Castle School, the Toronto Humane Society or a charity of your choice.