ANDERSON, Barbara (nee Gillingham) —
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Barbara from complications while being treated for myeloma on August 29, 2016. The onset of her disease was sudden and she faced the challenge as always with a positive outlook and unending expressions of gratitude to her caregivers at Mount Sinai and Princess Margaret Hospitals.
Barbara was the soul mate and perfect love of her husband Bill and a cherished and deeply loved sister to Judy and Robert and sister-in-law to Carol Bertrand. She is predeceased by her parents Ralph and Vera Gillingham and will be missed by many cousins. Her bright smile and enthusiasm will be hugely missed by her many friends. Her faithful walking companion, Lucy the golden retriever, will miss her forever.
Barbara worked in the mining industry for the first part of her career, where she met her future husband and made many friends and then spent 10 years with the National Film Board in TV sales and formed strong lasting friendships there as well.
Barbara had a zest for life and was a huge enthusiastic cottager since childhood, spending many happy seasons at LeGrou Lake and Lake Simcoe. She loved and embraced her friends and was always quick to offer help. Forest Home United Church in Orillia held a special place in her heart.
The family wishes to thank all the wonderful staff at Mount Sinai ICU and the Myeloma Unit at Princess Margaret for all their care and kindnesses. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Forest Home United Church or to Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
We are heartbroken at this enormous loss and the hole in our lives, but take comfort that she loved us all unreservedly and leaves a legacy of giving and kindness that we can only hope to match.
A celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 7th at Jubilee United Church, 40 Underhill Drive, Don Mills, Ontario.