In her 92nd year, and following a decade long decline due to Alzheimer's, Barbara died peacefully at Northridge Long Term Care in Oakville, Ontario on Saturday, February 1st, 2014. Born in Toronto, February 28th, 1922, she was predeceased by John (2004), her husband of 60 years, her parents Parker and Gertrude Blake and her sister Jane Murphy (Martin). Much beloved mother of George of Sudbury, Gai McChesney (Tim) of Oakville, and Cindy of North Vancouver, BC. Adored "Grandy" of Megan O'Toole (Shaun) and Matthew McChesney (Jennifer) of Toronto and "Great Grandy" to Hoxton O'Toole. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and brothers-in-law Dick Richmond and Martin Murphy. Barbara was a very generous and giving person, who always saw the best in people and made everyone feel special. She was charming, elegant, fashionable, full of grace, and a hostess extraordinaire. Better known as Mrs. G to hundreds of Glen Bernard Campers, Barb directed Glen Bernard Camp for over 20 years serving as an inspiration and role-model for girls and young women that attended the camp. Throughout her life she was a tireless volunteer for numerous organizations including: Cradleship Creche, Canadian Cancer Society, Wychwood Park Needlework Guild, Grace Church on the Hill, Rotary Inner Wheel, Ontario Camping Association and Hillcrest Public School to name a few. Barb enjoyed bridge, travel, summers on Lake Bernard, Sundridge, her many lunch groups and was an active member of the Granite Club where she enjoyed curling and fitness. Barb lived by the words spoken every morning during flag raising at camp:
"….but today well-lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow, a vision of hope."
A visitation will be held on Friday, February 28th, 2014 at 1pm, with a memorial service at 2pm and a reception to follow, at Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral home, 64 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville, Ontario L6K 1E1. In lieu of flowers, give someone a smile and a hug and if so inclined, make a donation in Barb's memory to the charity of your choice.