Holding the hands of her two children, with the same elegance and grace she had lived her entire life, Barbara quietly slipped away at 9:35 on the evening of Sunday, June 19.

Barbara Henderson was born in Montreal on June 2, 1934. The only daughter of Norman Parke Woods and Dorothy May Webster, she was fiercely protected by her two older brothers George Webster (Elizabeth) and James Parke (Gwen) until the love of her life – and true soulmate — James Alexander Roger (Rody) Watt arrived bringing with him yet another brother, Graham McTavish, (Jacinthe). Married for more than fifty amazing years, they resided in Montreal, Toronto and, finally, Oakville, where, together, they raised their children, Jaime (Paul), Susan (Bill) and Patti (Greg).

As her family grew to welcome grandchildren Heather (Matt), Grant (Meghan), Jessica (Matt), Megan, Emma and Mackenzie, and great grandchildren Henry, Oliver, and Emilia, Barb was never happier than when she was embracing her role as cheerleader-in-chief for her family's wide-ranging accomplishments. And, when life's road got a bit bumpy, she was always there as consoler-in-chief to her family and her friends alike.

Barb was a charter member of what has been dubbed "the greatest generation". Like many women of her time who were such huge contributors to civil society literally building much of the social service infrastructure of our country, her volunteer commitments would rival those of any in the corporate world. Although there were many – church, politics, Maycourt, palliative visiting – she was always especially proud of her participation in the organization of the Paralympic Games in Toronto in 1976 and her contribution to the establishment of Cheshire Homes in Canada. Emblematic of her way of thinking always of others and not herself, she never stopped being astonished at her selection as Halton volunteer of the year for her work with Acclaim (formerly the VON).

In her last years, Barb never shied away from directly confronting the devastating impact of her dementia. Ahead of her family at every juncture, she was always prepared for what was next on her journey – no matter how lousy or unfair. And in doing so, she was able to leave everyone around the most prized of her possessions – her north star.

A service of thanksgiving for her life will take place at St Jude's Anglican Church located at 160 William Street, Oakville, on Sunday, July 17 at 3:00 pm. A reception will follow. Everyone is welcome.

Remembrances gratefully acknowledged by Barb's family; Acclaim of Halton (formerly the VON) one organization of which she was particularly fond.