It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Mother, Barbara Ellen Warwick just shy of her 95th birthday. Although we are sad, we also acknowledge and appreciate that she has lived a long, full life.
Mom was born on July 11th, 1928 in Midland, Ontario into a pioneering family with strong Welsh roots. Mom was a proud RN graduating from Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, Ontario and she worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital for 14 years. She is predeceased by her parents Dorothy & Irwin Evans, her brothers Murray & Bev, a brother in infancy, and our Dad, the love of her life, Robert Grenville Warwick (d. 1984).
Mom & Dad met in Caramat, Ontario where Mom was beginning her nursing career and Dad was 18, working in the bush camp. Mom went for adventure and found her future. Life and nursing in the bush provided many opportunities for a young nurse just starting out, these included Mom learning to drive in a 1940’s ambulance, on a corduroy road, being taught by her mentor Dr. Navin. The grandkids were also very impressed when they found out Grandma once flew a bush plane, although what she really said was that the pilot let her take the controls while he closed his eyes. Mom & Dad were married in 1952 and lived in Caramat until 1966 when they moved to Port Arthur.
Together they raised 6 children who survive her: Cheryl (Eric & Tyler), Paul (Millee & Randi), Martin (Marlene, Ryan, Christina, Jessie) Cindy (Jim d. 2020, Ana & Gillian), Shane (Michelle, Ian, Evan & Colin), and Lisa (Bob, Quinn & Nolan). Mom was a proud great-grandmother to Ryder and Jacqueline. She is also survived by her brother Don (Gwen & Dylan). In the years after Dad passed away, Mom became a bit of a globe trotter, traveling across Canada, cruising to Alaska, visiting Italy, France, Australia, New Zealand, and enjoyed several trips to England. Mom was a voracious reader, loved daily puzzles, was an amazing knitter making many hundreds of sweaters, mitts, socks, ‘scuffies’ toques, and afghans for family, friends, new babies, church bazaars and Missions to Seafarers. Though Mom began to lose her independence, we will always be grateful for her sharp mind; she was unfailingly bright, positive, and had a great sense of humour. She will be greatly missed by her family, her friends, her neighbours. The family is grateful to the staff at TBRHSC, St. Joseph’s Hospice for their kind, compassionate care.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Sargent & Sons, interment has taken place in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Mom has requested donations in her memory to RFDA (Food Bank) or the Dew Drop Inn. Condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
