THORPE, Barbara (née Ferguson), 87, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Trillium Health Centre. She was preceded by infant brother William Wayne, father Kenneth, and mother Billie (née Merner) and very dear great aunt Francis Ferguson, born 1872 in Northern Ireland, died age 104 in London, Ontario.

Born in London, Ontario, March 17, 1930, Barbara enjoyed spending many summers in her youth at Stoney Lake while visiting her cousins Patsy and Mary Lou, whose companionship would last throughout Barbara’s life. Early in life she exhibited a strong sense of nurturing when, upon graduating from Central High School in London, she enrolled in the Victoria Hospital School of Nursing. Family commitments required her to leave the program and she and her younger brother, Kerry, assumed the role of caregivers for their parents.

In 1950, Barbara wed her husband, Charlie, with whom she had four children; Kenneth, Robert, Susan, and David. After numerous moves around the country the family finally settled in Mississauga in 1964. In addition to maintaining a home for her young family, Barbara took a job at Sears and began a volunteer position at the Mississauga Hospital that lasted 22 years. She also proved to be an excellent bowler and card player, often to the despair of her husband.

In 1980 Barbara was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, which she faced with bravery, dignity and without complaint. The family wishes to express their sincerest appreciation to the special caregivers: Imelda, Phyllis, Alma, and Jolanta whose warmth, humour and patience brought an element of confidence to Barbara. The family would also like to thank Dr. Lang and staff of the Movement Disorder Clinic at Toronto Western Hospital for their skill and dedication; and Dr. Hung of the Palliative Care Unit at Trillium Health Centre for providing wise counsel and understanding.

Barbara was an honourable woman with a strong set of ethics, and amazing courage. She was a loyal friend and wonderful companion. She was beautiful. She enjoyed a good party, a good laugh, she was a great cook; but her family was her pride and joy. She will be forever missed.

Survived by her husband Charlie. Brother Dr. Kerry Ferguson (Phyllis) and their sons Geoff, Chris and Tony. Cousins Patsy and Mary Lou. Sister-in-law Mary (Rene). Her children Kenneth (Carol), Robert (Bonnie), Susan, and David (Lynn). Grandchildren Jason (Christine), Heather (Gary), Michael (Amanda), Corey, Jeff (Kayla), Scott (Paige), Greg, Ryan, Adam (Jessica), Amber, and Greg. Great-grandchildren Brianna, Tyler, Brooke, Nathan, Matthew, Audrina, Madison, Keegan, Kadence, and Sadie.

Memorial visitation will take place at Turner & Porter Peel Chapel 2180 Hurontario St., Mississauga (Hwy 10 N of QEW) on Sunday, April 30, 2017 from 2-5 p.m.

Tissue from Barbara’s brain has been donated to Parkinsons research. The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Toronto General and Western Hospital Foundation (www.tgwhf.ca)