1935-2024 Barbara Joan Eberts (nee Cooper)

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Barbara Eberts announce her peaceful passing, with her family lovingly by her side.  Barbara is survived by her second husband, Ted Swift, sisters, Margaret Reynolds and Maxine McCallum. She will be deeply missed by her children, Cathy (Mary Lee), Robert (Nancy), Bruce (Daiana), Terri, Carolynne (Peter) and Sandi. She is predeceased by her beloved husband Ben Eberts and daughter, Lisa Marie Eberts, sister Jean Perlin and numerous in-laws. She will be forever cherished by her adored grandchildren, Jessica (John), Tristan (Jenn), Hannah (Jaret), Calvin, Jeffrey (Hope), Carson, Leah, Abigail, Dominic and Sara.

Barbara was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario and graduated as a nurse in 1956 at the top of her class. Soon after, she married Ben Eberts, a mining engineer, and together they settled in the Northwestern Ontario community of Red Lake. It was here she practiced as a nurse and infant development coordinator, delivering and coordinating medical services to local and remote northern Ontario communities. In her spare time, she raised seven children and baked the most amazing blueberry pies.  And there was no one more stylish than our mom – whether throwing a fishing line over a boat or getting ready for a dinner party – she always looked amazing to us!

Barbara will always be known for her compassion, empathy and acceptance of all people.  Her genuine kindness was felt by all those she encountered. She had a sincere and overwhelming curiosity to learn about your life story. She was a fierce advocate for all children and in particular, the rights of Indigenous children to proper healthcare. She was an avid reader and gifted writer. This was clearly evident to anyone who was the recipient of her many thoughtful and kind notes. She will forever be remembered for her selflessness, unwavering and unconditional love of her family.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the staff at Allendale LTC for their excellent care of our mother over the last two years and to the staff at Milton District Hospital for their compassion to her and our family during this difficult time.

Cremation has taken place. A private family service will take place in Northern Ontario at a later date.

If desired, donations can be made to The Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital