Barbara passed away suddenly, but peacefully, July 23, 2025, at 91. Loving wife of the late Noel Ferguson and beloved mother of Heather (Cameron) and Bob (Christine); sister of Mary Bird (John), and cherished aunt to Lisa and Michael. Sister-in-law to Muriel Franceschini (Leonard) and loved by nieces Susan “Suzie” (Giorgio), Lisa, Julia, Lenore (John): Step- grandmother to Alexander (Andrea) and Christina (Grant) Turner and their children Aiden and Noah as well as Wren and Rhys, respectively.
Barbara sustained a deep well of love for all her family and friends. Hers was a quiet strength, built on compassion for others; she took joy in their triumphs and supported their challenges. Barbara (aka Barb, Babs, Barbie) was active in sports and in her community. She was a generous host, a fun-loving spirit and devoted to her dogs. Whether by the lake at the cottage, at holiday celebrations, or quiet dinner parties, Barbara, with her husband Noel, entertained and brought people together, and she did what so few can do: she listened.
Barbara was trained as a nurse at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and worked as a nurse 25 years later, after raising her family. Her nursing training was a source of pride for Barbara and an important part of her identity throughout her life. Health was always a focus; if you knew Barbara, you probably heard at least one of her favourite lines: “Have an apple, it’ll make you feel better.” Or “Eat your greens!”
Barbara had a great love of music, whether singing or listening. She especially enjoyed singing an Irish tune or the “golden oldies” as she called them. She had a song for every occasion and when she was reminded of a song, she loved to share a few choruses with whomever she was with.
A long-time community volunteer, Barbara used to tell stories about canvassing for donations on a Friday, then hiding the cash, wrapped and marked “LIVER”, in the bottom of the freezer until it could be banked on Monday morning. She talked about the literacy tutoring she did for adults for many years and how proud she was of her student’s courage. She loved all kinds of volunteer work, for large or small organizations – it didn’t matter – she just wanted to help.
As an avid sports lover, Barbara played tennis in her younger years and loved to go to see Toronto Maple Leafs games with her sister Mary. Golf became her focus later in life and she served as Ladies Captain at her golf clubs over the years. To Noel’s everlasting chagrin, she had two holes- in-one to her credit, before he even got his first.
In her later years, when she moved to Victoria, BC, Barbara was able to spoil Heather’s dogs, which was always much appreciated by Pete and Tilly. A natural optimist with a gentle, mischievous smile, Barbara loved dogs, the water, any kind of music, her family and walking in the fresh air. These gave her purpose and filled her days with joy. As life became more difficult for her in her last years, her strength and grace set an example for all.
A celebration of life for family and friends will be held in time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to The Hospital for Sick Children, Music Therapy at The Victoria Conservatory of Music, or the Victoria Humane Society.
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McCall Gardens
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