It’s hard to believe it was a year ago Barb passed. I think of her often! Sending her loved ones big hugs and comfort today.
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I just learned of Barb's passing today. Something brought her to my mind and I decided to do a search on her. Such a sad loss. I worked with Barb on the support staff side while she lead the Job Readiness Training Program at Algonquin College. She always wore that beautiful smile, much like her beautiful wardrobe and was just a lovely person not only to work with, but as a person in general. She was passionate, kind and generous with her students. My heart goes out to her family and all that loved her.
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Dearest Garry, Cindy and loving family. Our hearts go out to you all with Barb's passing. Holding you close in our thoughts and prayers. xo Maria, Ben, Ella and Alex
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I had the great fortune of meeting dear Barb for the first time when we both worked for the Regional Municipality of Ottawa Carleton in Social Services, specifically, Ontario Works. We shared an office together on Murray/King Edward. Barb would breeze in each day looking gorgeously put together and I would wonder how she knew every morning what to wear. LOL. She was fun to work with, smart, an excellent listener, motivated, creative and kind. I was delighted that we started to build a friendship together that lasted many years. My husband Ben and I and our daughter Ella went to Barb and Garry's wedding and were so honored to be part of such a special day. We have fond memories of visiting their beautiful farm house with both our kids when they were small and Cindy was there too and it was a lovely afternoon. Barb and I worked together again at Algonquin College and it was a treat to continue our relationship. I remember the day when she wasn't feeling well and we were talking at work and she didn't seem herself at all. We talked about her going back to the hospital because something wasn't right. Barb's perseverance and fortitude along with her loving family and friends and nursing staff would become key factors in her next year after that terrible day. I think Barb would be proud to know our youngest child Alex ended up becoming a paramedic recently and takes care of people at their most vulnerable times. Barb has influenced my life in so many ways and I can hear her laugh and turn a negative experience into something with a silver lining. I will always remember the first day we met and her sparkling eyes, big smile, laugh and easy going personality. I miss you Barb. Thank you for all that you gave to this world. I carry you in my heart. xo Maria
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East side Mario’s , St Laurent shopping Centre
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I am so sorry to hear that Barb is no longer with us. She was a younger cousin to me. I am 11+ years older, daughter of Charlie and Kaye Gillis. My memories of Barbara Joy include times in Inverside at Grandpa Gillis' home and shared meals around their table. Peggy (Grandpa's second wife) was a great cook, she had a huge kitchen, and a large pantry in which she did her food prep and baking. They both worked in the store across the street, a general store, with all the grocery items, produce (a bunch of bananas hung over the counter), clothing--from house dresses to shoes, boots, overalls, shirts--household items, some tools and more. I think the post office was there too. They had gas tanks to fill your car and also sold lumber. I can still picture Barbara Joy on her father Mike's knee at the table at Peggy and Grandpa's.
Memories too of visiting Milltown! Doris would put Barbie in the carriage and we would walk over the border into Calais. My Mom and Dad had gone on to Bangor. My siblings Marilyn and Chuck and I had saved up our allowances and Doris and Mike would take us shopping. (My younger brother Doug was a toddler and he was with Mom and Dad. Susan, my youngest sister, did not come along until later.) We wore our smuggled clothing and hid other items in the carriage--what an adventure. Barbie was happy in the carriage and aided us with our contraband!
I truly enjoyed reading Barb's obituary. I have not seen her for many years. I had read her book U-Turn and knew that she was a courageous and accomplished woman, but your account told me so much more about her. Hers was certainly "a life well-lived"--she made a difference in so many ways.
My heartfelt sympathy to all of you.
Most sincerely,
Marie Gillis Pittaway
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My sincere, heartfelt condolences to Gary, Cynthia and family. My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends at this sad and difficult time. Barb will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. God bless!🙏🙏🙏🩷
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Barb was resilience in human form! Her book was amazing. So glad to have visited her when she was in care, and to have hosted her and Gary for dinner. She was always so full of life and interesting opinions, not to mention glamorous! We’ll miss your smile, Barb. ❤️
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The world will never have another Barb Xoxo... I remember us being wee teenager's and being bored...Next thing I know we are in the car ...Mum and Barb taking us over to the states for a day of shopping.
She has been at all our families weddings and important moments over the years. She will be in our hearts forever. I will miss all the updates and stories...Love you Barb
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To my dearest Cindy (Cynthia) please know I am with you and you are in my heart eternally as a friend. I will be thinking of you and I will remember your beautiful pretty hot tempered mother for life. She was a second mother to me.
To Barbie, may you rest in peace with all the great ones as you are too.
Love Lee-Ann Ruth Campbell
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Book Launch at Algonquin College-2009
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