Barbara McKenzie was born on August 28, 1933, the youngest of three siblings. She grew up in Toronto with her sister Joyce and her brother Roy, both of whom predeceased her. She is survived by her husband, John, her children Bob (Pat), Anne (David), Rick (Sheri), and Patricia (Frank), along with her 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

She grew up in Toronto in a loving home where family, school and friendships shaped her early years. Her life took a beautiful turn in high school, when she met (and fell head over heels with) John, who was on her brother’s swim team. Sparks flew and from then on, they were inseparable. They were married on May 30, 1953 and for the next 72 years, it would be rare to hear someone say “Barb” or “John” alone. They were John and Barb - a united team who approached everything side by side. Right to the end, they were holding hands and cuddling like newlyweds.

They quickly started their family and moved to 57 Boem Avenue, their home until 2024. There they raised their children: Bob, Michael (deceased 2010), Anne, Rick, Patricia and Paul (deceased in infancy).

Their home was full of love, music and fun, with piano lessons, sports and a steady stream of neighbourhood friends. When Michael was born with Down Syndrome, Barb never accepted the limits others might have placed on him. She made sure he was involved and given a rich and full life, lovingly caring for him until his death.

Around 1960, they were visited by Jehovah’s Witnesses and began studying the Bible. After their baptism in 1962, they became fully involved in the Birkdale congregation. Despite her nerves, Barb volunteered to play the Kingdom songs on the piano and each week would practice diligently. It paid off - she always sounded great!

In the congregation, Barb soon became the resident hostess. Every January, she was already planning the summer picnic. Wedding and baby showers and countless gatherings were held at the McKenzie home, complete with her legendary shortbread cookies, pink squares and apple pie. Their house was always open for pool parties, barbecues and countless visits.

After their children left home, Barb and John were not the type to sit still. They embraced new opportunities and adventures. In 1990, they served at Canada Bethel during the construction of Residence 2, along with their son Michael. Then in 1995, they were invited to help with an assembly hall project in Nicaragua. Barb fell in love with the brothers and sisters there, especially the young ones, many of whom affectionately called her “Mama.”

As she grew older, Barb stayed active and youthful in spirit. She often visited the “older ones” in the congregation, never seeing herself as part of that group. Her grandchildren remember her getting down on the floor, even in her eighties, to play with their children. At home, she liked to keep her hands busy, whether it was taking care of her garden or placing the final piece of her latest puzzle.

To Barb, her life was simply what you do when you love Jehovah, love your family and want to help others. However, to us, so much of what our family has become traces back to her joy, quiet strength and sense of adventure. We have all followed her example in worshiping Jehovah and look to her as the standard of a loyal wife, a loving mother and a woman who always put others first.

While we miss her so much, we cannot wait to see her restored to perfect health, ready to begin her next grand adventure. 

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