Barbara Jean Plato

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Barbara "Barb" Jean Plato (nee Thacker) on July 29,2023, at the age of 79. She passed away peacefully at her home with her daughter Natalie and her sister and best friend, Edrey by her side.
Barb was born in Toronto, Ontario in 1943 to Reginald and Margaret (Critchon) Thacker. The Thackers grew into a large family of 4 sons and 7 daughters. Reginald was a self-made man and owner of a dry-cleaning business, which he operated with the help of his wife Margaret up until his retirement.
Barb inherited her father's work ethic and business acumen. She quit high school at the age of 16 and trained to be a hairdresser; by age 18 she owned and operated her own hairdressing business where she was well respected and sought after by her many clients up until the day that she retired in 2013. Barb would have kept on going were it not for the arthritis that crippled her hands.
Over the intervening years, besides hairdressing, Barb also owned and operated a Kettle Creek Canvas Company franchise.
Soon after she started her own business in 1963, she met, fell in love with and married a fine young man by the name of Eugene Samuel "Sam" Plato. Together they raised their family of two daughters.
Barb was fiercely loyal to her family, whose interests and needs she always placed before her own. She never hesitated to help out her family whenever, however, and wherever she could and without reservation and without question. To Barb, family was everything. And when her two daughters had children of their own, they became the centre of Barb's universe; her pride and joy. If there was one thing that would predictably bring Barb to tears it was whenever her children or grandchildren were in distress. Barb was happiest when her family were happy and content. If they were not, she wanted to know why and how she could fix it.
While Barb had a very emotional and soft side to her, she also had the ability to view real world problem solving with ivory tower detachment. Barb was the go-to person if hard decisions had to be made to ensure a positive outcome. This included managing her own personal affairs in the face of her declining health. Barb was an incredibly selfless and courageous woman in this regard.
Many people make the mistake of gauging one's intelligence with one's level of formal education. Barb did not at all, fit into this mold. Although she had little in the way of formal education, she was, nonetheless, a highly intelligent, articulate, energetic and well-read lady. Barb could engage in intelligent and informed conversations with anyone, no matter what was their background.
Barb was an outstanding mother, human being and role model for her daughters and her grandchildren. The way in which she conducted her life with integrity and honour, her absolute loyalty to her family, her work ethic her wisdom and insight, her intelligence, her courage, her generosity and her quick wit are an inspiration to us all. She did an amazing job of raising her children and nurturing her grandchildren. In doing so, she leaves behind a better world. This will be Barb's legacy.
Barb is predeceased by her parents Reginald and Margaret, by her husband Sam and her beloved granddaughter Haddan. She is survived by her daughters Natalie (Robert Eno) and Kim (David Eby); by grandchildren Carter, Harper, Nolan and Brennan; by siblings Edrey, Ruth, Sandra, Margaret (Doug), Reg (Karen), Jim (Lois), David (Adele), Marilyn (Ron), Don (Janet), and Cathy (George).
We love you Barb and we shall never forget your boundless love for us and the many selfless things that you did for your family.
There will be a celebration of life for Barb on Wednesday August 2 from 3 – 5 pm at the Roadhouse and Rose Funeral Home, 157 Main Street S. Newmarket. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Fire Circle (www.campfirecircle.org). Online condolences can be made at www.roadhouseandrose.com.