Eldest daughter of the late Percy and Marjorie Beatty. Born in Toronto, ON on January 20 ^th , 1916, died Monday, September 14 ^th , 2015 at 10 a.m.; the very time her knitting group meets! Barbara married Ronald Spears on June 10 ^th , 1939. Ronald passed away in 1995. Barbara is predeceased by her siblings Ottilie, Edie, Dick and Graeme. Barbara's early years were spent in several private schools, horseback riding, golf and piano lessons, achieving high marks all at the same time. Much was expected of her! For an interim year before university, Barbara went to the UK (Ireland and England) to stay with her three great-aunts. She returned to Toronto, survived her debutante year, graduated from the University of Toronto with a B.A. After her children were in full time school, she volunteered in libraries for decades. She also volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Society for years, receiving awards for her dedication. She and Ron spent many wonderful years in Caledon East, taking over the family estate before moving to Oakville. But the one solid rock was Umwah, Nares Inlet, starting as a young child in a canoe until she was 93! Her love of this island, along with all the other parts of her life, infused her stories that she passed down to her children, but also taught us generations of family history at the same time. Her sharp mind stayed with her until the very end. Barbara is lovingly remembered by her children Jean Podolsky (George, deceased), the late Douglas who is survived by his wife Danièle, and Beth "Buffy" (Bill). She is the cherished grandmother of Caroline van Coppenolle (Ruedi), Erika Nolle (Garry), Sarah Podolsky, Michael Ash (Kelly), Tim Ash (Katja) and Caley Ash (Michael) and great-grandmother of Callie van Coppenolle, Jenna van Coppenolle, Katrina Nolle, Maxwell Nolle, Luke Ash, Daniel Ash and Matty Ash. She will be remembered by her niece Kitty Walsh (nèe Rengers) and her nephews John O'Brian (Helen), and Peter O'Brian (Carolyn). A Celebration of Barbara's Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 10 ^th , 2015 at St. Cuthbert's Anglican Church, 1541 Oakhill Drive, Oakville. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to CNIB, one of her life-long charities.