Mrs. Barbara "Barb" Joy Anne Carter
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Barb's obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Mrs. Barbara "Barb" Carter, who left this world on July 5, 2024. Born on January 14, 1951. Barb was born in St. Stephen, NB (Charlotte County) which borders Calais, Maine. She lived there until she moved to Ottawa, ON in 1972 after securing a job with the Bank of Nova Scotia, she then went on to work for the Federal Government in Supply and Services. In 1982 she read a book titled "Total Self Confidence." It really helped her through that period in her life, so she thought to herself, why not design and offer my own Self Confidence seminar, to help others? So, she did!
This was followed by another seminar called "Single Again and Loving It". At that point Barb was almost ready to leave the government and become a full time trainer, but in true Barb fashion, before she left, she decided to design a seminar specifically for many of her friends and colleagues in the government who seemed so stuck and unhappy in their work. This seminar was called "Career Quicksand and How to Get Out." It was then that Barb then began to get noticed for her unique seminars and several articles were published in the Lifestyles section of the Ottawa Citizen newspaper.
Barb continued teaching Soft Skill Self Empowerment courses for Corrections Canada, Learning Context and Algonquin College, mentoring various individuals and many students seeking confidence to fulfill their own personal dreams and goals. Some of her other notable courses that filled up quickly were, Self Confidence, Feel the Fear-Do It Anyway, Setting Goals and Achieving Them, Dress for Success and Team Building.
In 2007 Barb was thrown a curve ball in life when she suffered a stroke that was brought on by an undiagnosed illness. The stroke led to a lengthy rehabilitation period and a huge shift in Barb's life moving forward. That did not slow Barb down though, she went on to write a book in 2009 titled "U Turn - A Story of Inspirational Post Stroke Recovery" and had it published. The book was launched at Algonquin College with the help of the former Dean, Russ Mills. It sold in many bookstores across Ottawa. In hearing of Barb’s passing, Russ said “she was perhaps the most courageous and optimistic person I have ever met”
Barb leaves behind a legacy filled with laughter, wisdom, and feistiness, she did not take the backseat for anybody. She was a woman of confidence, intelligence, exceptional taste, and her great sense of humour along with her crystal blue eyes could light up any room. Barb lived a life of vibrant colour, her favourite being purple and she had an impeccable eye for fashion.
As a family we have decided to donate her fashionable and extensive wardrobe to the social organization Dress for Success. The mission of Dress for Success is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. We know Barb is looking down at us and giving us two thumbs up for this decision.
Barbara found joy in the simple pleasures of life, from her weekly shopping trips, evenings spent with her husband Garry catching up on their favourite Netflix dramas and socializing with her friends. Barb had a large network of friends, too many to list personally, that kept her social calendar booked solid most weeks.
Barb is survived by her loving husband, Garry Carter, her devoted daughter, Cynthia Steeves (Chris Greenhorn), her step-son Justin Carter (Marice Prior), and step-daughter, Lisa Edwards (Jason Edwards). Barb was a very proud Nana to Whitney Greenhorn, Felix Carter, Aubrey Carter,Logan Edwards and Sydney Edwards, they all had a special place in her heart. Barb cherished her Sunday afternoon visits and chats with her daughter Cynthia and granddaughter Whitney.
She will be missed by her siblings, sister Sheryl Daamen (Gerrit), sister Darlene Aker (late Doug Aker), and brother John Gillis (Linda) and many nieces and nephews. Even though her siblings still reside in New Brunswick they came to Ottawa to see Barb in the good times and the challenging times, they stood by her side through thick and thin. Barb especially looked forward to her weekly phone calls with her sister Darlene.
Barb was predeceased by her parents, Doris Gillis (2009) and Micheal Gillis (2014), her brother Jerry Gillis (1965) and infant sister Micaelena (1949).
As we say goodbye to Barb, we embrace the happy memories, the laughter, and the valuable life lessons that she sowed into our lives and many others. Her personality, sense of style, and zest for life will be greatly missed.
Barb kept a framed quote on her mantle that read "She believed she could, so she did." This simple phrase served as an anchor of strength, beauty, and empowerment for Barb over the years. We know that she would want you and us to move forward in life keeping that quote in mind during the good times and the challenging times. In the essence of being a true Mom, she would commonly tell her daughter Cynthia “Chin up, you cannot make magic looking down.”
A Celebration of life is being planned for a later date in Ottawa. Barb's final wishes were for her ashes to be brought back home to the East Coast and have them spread in the ocean, in St. Andrews New Brunswick. A private celebration will take place in July 2025 to fulfill Barb's final wishes.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, in memory of Barb Carter.
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