Barbara Barker
1931 - 2021
Barbara Barker
1931 - 2021
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1931
DIED
2021
Barbara Barker Obituary
Barb (Mum, Nana, Oma) was an extraordinarily gifted artist. She experienced life through artist’s eyes; she found beauty and wonder in everything she encountered. A walk with Barb meant stopping at every interesting tree, leaf pattern, play of light and shadow. She connected with every person and every animal she met.
Barb was feisty, adventurous and fearless in her approach to life. She was athletic and fit; her agility and vitality belied her 90 years. She approached every new day as an adventure and an opportunity to help people. Barb encountered many challenges throughout her life, yet nothing was able to break her spirit and positivity. In her 80’s, after her second husband, wood carver Raymond Barker passed, her fortitude and determination manifested in her taking up drumming and singing (in public!), learning piano, and teaching art classes.
There was nothing Barb treasured more than her family, to whom she’s given the most precious gift through the example of the way she lived. Barb lived out loud, embraced joy in every circumstance, practised kindness and gratitude, gave generously and selflessly of her time and energy, and chose love in every circumstance. Her family and friends, who loved her beyond measure, will feel her lively presence and unconditional fierce love throughout their lives.
We, her family, who will carry on her gift of spirit are Danny, Brenda (& Gary), Julia (& Jake), Steve (& Lisa), Michelle, Scott (& Candice), Ashley, William, Max (& Kansas), Alice (& Derek), Liberty (& Phil), Gracie (& Cam), Charlie, Reuben, Rhiannon (& Jo), Arthur (& Kylie), Aleila, Ryan, Fletcher, Micheal, Cora, Alexis, Cohen, Ryder, Keisha, Heidi, Maximous, Scotti, Zaiden, Fox, Maddex, Veda, Ava, Leith, Cameron, and of course Walter, with whom Barb shared the joy of being founder and co-creator of this Webb clan.
Warmest thanks to Janice and the team in CCU at University Hospital for giving our Barb such superb care and kindness well beyond the call of duty.
A Service will be held on Monday, October 4 at 2:00 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1139 Riverside Drive, London, ON. Funeral Service Webinar Link
https://zoom.us/j/96070899337
Webinar ID: 960 7089 9337
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating on Barb's behalf to an Indigenous organization of your choice. Some suggestions are linked here:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/explore/charities/category/indigenous-peoples/
Online condolences & Guest Book can be viewed on the O'Neil Funeral Home website at www.oneilfuneralhome.ca (519-432-7136)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
7 Entries
Wendy Harris
October 4, 2021
Barb my friend I shall missI already miss you. I remember the first day we met as I was moving into Chelsey residences and as I was entering my unit I heard the soft kind voice calling out; hello there. I looked over and there was the warmest smile I'd seen since moving to London. From that day to your last we called each other friend. I enjoyed all your artistic cards you slipped under my door. Your text messages and your welfare checks when you'd call or knock at the door. The extra effort of grabbing packages or looking in on Mark when I had to be away. Your relentless ability to share your time and great stories. My heart breaks from the void you've left but I know what we both believed about salvation and resurrection. We shall see each other again my friend. It's a sad time for all of us that are left behind but a joyous day for our Heavenly Father! Farewell my friend for time and all eternity!❤
Margaret Kitchen
October 4, 2021
Barbara was the first to welcome me and became not just a neighbour but a friend. Will miss her so much, especially the partially open door at certain times of the day. She would be sat at her table doing her 'thing' but would always come to the door if one said Hello, for a chat. With love & Blessings.
Gary McKague
October 4, 2021
Barb - always a joy and inspiration to be with. You will be missed but your kindness, interest in life, ability to love and compassion will live on forever. Nothing can extinguish your spirit. All our love. Gary
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Jin Liu
October 2, 2021
Barbara has and always will be an incredible friend, teacher and mentor for me. She and Ray were one of the first friends my family and I had when we first arrived in Canada, and she has stuck by us through all the ups and downs of life. Up until the very end, she strived to bring joy to her family, friends and community. Her enthusiasm, curiosity, charm and endless kindness will be sorely missed. It was a pleasure to have had the opportunity to know Barbara in this life, and I wish her all the peace and happiness on her next journey.
Sharon Laing
October 2, 2021
Barb will live on in the hearts of all who have experienced her presence in their life.
A genuine and unique soul whom was a part of an extended family, outside her given one.
Prior to Covid19, every other Sunday evening she was a part of this extended family, whom gathered for dinner and music, at our friend Sandi's place.
This group of individuals all showed up, whenever possible, and did so for many years, until covid19. We sadly have lost a few of these amazing folks whom were more like family to all of us
Barb's dedication to Sandi and those whom showed up extended beyond this gathering, as Barb called Sandi every day as well.
Covid19 has made it so we couldn't continue to meet, but Barb will forever be with us in our hearts and souls
On behalf of Sandi and many whom joined us, I wish to send Barbs family our love and to say that her presence is missed already.
My personal experiences with Barb will remain with me all the rest of my days.
I will take with me her energy and spirit of life
I will take with me her kindness
I will always see and find love, when I think of Barb, as she was walking the pathway and lived her life in this profound way.
I could write forever and a day, about Barb
Loving memories, cherished moments and conversations from those whom attended these gatherings will be with us as we remember Barb, as this list would be long.
On behalf of myself Sharon Laing,(Latisha Laing), Sandiwe all send our warm thoughts and love to Barbs family and friends.
October 1, 2021
I interviewed Barb several years ago https://agecreatively.ca/meet-barb/ A truly beautiful and inspiring woman...
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