Obituary of Barbara Odell Barran

Barran, Barbara (Nee Wilkes) Barbara Barran (Wilkes) passed away peacefully in her home on July 30 after a courageous battle with cancer. Survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Arthur, her sons Paul, Bruce and Neil, her daughters-in-laws, Judith, Anne and Bonnie and her 8 grandchildren whom she so adored, Ilona, Michael, Christopher, Alexa, Shawn, Matthew, Morgan and Mitchell. Barbara was born in Espanola, Ontario on July 4, 1926, one of 7 children. She spent most of her life growing up and living in the west end of Toronto, where she made, and kept, life-long friends well before the era of the internet. In 1993 she and Arthur moved to London where they both thrived in retirement living amongst a group of neighbours Barbara affectionately called the "Hazel Nuts." We would like to express our thanks to all who sent emails, phoned or made the trek to London to say good-bye to her. The stories you told, the memories you shared and the laughter you generated created tender moments in our mothers heart and made her feel honoured. We would also like to extend a special thanks to Dr. George Kim, whose knowledge, care, and compassion guided all of us through Mom's journey with dignity and grace - in our eyes you are truly one of the "hero's" of our health system. We think that those who knew Barbara will remember her passion for helping others, as children we remember endlessly her just popping in to see how so and so was doing in order to make sure they were all right, with her gregarious sense of humour which was at times a bit dry. Most importantly Barbara will be remembered for her love of children, especially her own grandchildren. Whether it was reading books at the crack of dawn, baking, playing dress-up, test driving go-carts, attending concerts, recitals, games and graduations and even going on a hike in the Sifton Bog at the ripe age of 85 - Nan was always up for anything and all. No matter where she went children instantly seemed to warm to her smile - she was uniquely gifted in this way and will be warmly remembered by all she touched. Barbara's wish is that there will not be a remembrance service or celebration. We simply ask that you raise a glass of your favourite cheer in her honour. Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will take place at a later date. On line condolences can be made at the John T Donohue Funeral Home.www.donohuefuneralhome.ca