Barbara passed away peacefully in Victoria, BC after a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her children, Daniel, Diane (Michael) Gillis and Jim (Barbara). Lovingly known as Nana Babs, Nana Darling and “Great” Nana, Barbara was so proud of her grandchildren, Max Gillis (Krystal), Kate Wright (Philip), Spencer Gillis (Daniella) and Taïgan Coffey and great-grandchildren, Claire and Tyson Gillis and Charlie Wright. Her greatest pleasure was received spending time with her family, friends, volunteering, and travelling the world. She worked for many years with the homeless in downtown Toronto and Victoria. Barbara was an inspiring model for a life well-lived and will be missed by many.
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
A Celebration of Life will be held in Ontario when appropriate guidelines allow. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your charity of choice or; St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON; Doctors without Borders; BC Cancer Agency or Victoria Hospice, Victoria, BC. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com.
26 Responses
Diane and family….I’m so sorry to read of your mom’s passing in the paper today. I remember well the times I saw her in Kingston – what an incredibly elegant and kind woman, mother and grandmother she was. My thoughts are with you xo
I only knew Barb as a wonderful friend to my sister, Patricia Young, in Peterborough. The few times I met her, I was struck by her elegance, her sweetness and her gentle grace. She seemed to me to be the epitome of a “ lady”. Her generosity was spontaneous and genuine as evidenced when she kindly offered us the use of her apartment to stay in – twice. I live in Alberta, but came east during my other sister, Kathy’s, bout with cancer, and later with my husband, after she had succumbed to it. The opportunity to have Barb’s place to stay in during a very stressful time was very much appreciated. She offered it immediately and graciously. She will be missed by many. My thoughts and condolences to all her family and friends. May happy memories sustain you at this time.
McGill, fashion model, concert pianist, executives wife, kingsway mother of 3. Barbara spent her life caring for family, friends, homeless and the forgotten. We were friends and travelling companions for 30 years from Timbuktu to Angkor Wat. I noticed younger women looking at Barbara as an icon. Someone they respected and admired. Love to all the family. We will certainly miss her loving influence.
Ian Hardcastle
I’ve known Barb for most of my life through my grandfather Ian Hardcastle. About 7 years ago I joined them in Nicaragua where she spent the majority of her time trying to give back to the community and help the homeless with numerous acts of kindness and generosity. I’ll never forget one lunch we shared in Grenada, we spoke about the presence of poverty and how it differed between there and home. She went on to tell me about all the different ways she’d given back to communities over the years. Her position at St. Mike’s meant so much to her and I’m sure even a small interaction with her would have provided comfort for many patients. As a teenager I was fascinated by her intricate and exotic tales of travel. One particular story that has stuck with me for years was her description of her trip and the cultural norms in Lugu Lake, China. I never knew about it until she told me that story, but I have never forgotten Lugu Lake and I still hope one day I’ll be able to get there. Sending my most heartfelt condolences, she will be greatly missed and very fondly remembered.
Diane, we are so sorry to hear this news. My mother Eileen Hardie is devastated, she loves her dearly.
Our deepest condolences
Dear Family of Barb
My Aunt Winnifred and I send our sympathy to you all and will surely miss our dear friend Barb. She was such a kindred spirit and we had lots of fun together especially when she threw an elegant dinner party. She was the hostess with the mostest.
So glad we have beautiful memories and can celebrate her life joyfully.
Sincerely
Winnie Hunt
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear mother and grandmother. Barb was a good friend and I was fortunate to enjoy many visits, dinners, travel and glasses of white wine or a margarita with her. She inspired me to learn more, think deeply, give of myself and live as authentically as possible. I will miss her wit, grace and fierce determination to live and love fully. Her friends around the globe mourn the loss of such a beautiful soul. May her memory be a blessing to all who were graced with her presence.
We are missing Barb. Her kindness and good humour, in all circumstances, never ceased to inspire. Truly, a life well lived. We are sitting here in Ottawa smiling at our good fortune in having known someone like Barb. Wishing love and light to all Barb’s family and friends, Marie&Gordon
Diane I am so very sorry. I shall miss knowing Barb is there. I have kept in touch through Dana, because I didn’t want to bother Barb. Love, Madeleine
We will miss our adopted mom at our Reid family holidays. Her kindness and warmth was always enveloping those around her and her insight and intelligence a welcome addition to the dinner debates. May your thoughts of her warm your heart before the tears fill your eyes. Big hugs. Sorry we can’t be there in person.