It is with deep sorrow that the family of Barbara Ann Brown (Carruthers) announces her peaceful passing the morning of January 31. The world has lost someone who gave far more than they took, and who did so with love and joy. Predeceased by her husband Gordon W. Brown and her parents Herbert and Beatrice Carruthers. Mother of Amy Brown of Toronto, and Sean Rigby Brown and Kristine (Jupp) Brown of Vaughan. Beloved Grandma of Nolan and Caelan. “Mrs. B” to other special people. Barbara is also survived by her five siblings and their families.
Barbara believed life was one big adventure and she lived to the fullest, all of her days.
Earl Haig ’57, Canadian Air Force (Intelligence), then certified with the Canadian Society of Lab Technologists, working at Women’s College Hospital, Wellesley Hospital, and then with Dr. Julio Martin’s Research Institute endocrinology team at the Hospital for Sick Children.
Barbara and Gordon shared many adventures. During the first decade of their marriage, auto racing, and sailing brought many stories. The Schooner Rigby was a familiar sight at National Yacht Club. Interests then shifted to their children, small town life in Beaverton, and a string of entrepreneurial ventures as a couple, including GWB Rope & Twine founded in Orillia in 1974, where they then made home in 1983.
Barbara was often described as ‘amazing’, ‘inspiring’ and ‘a positive person’. She would take courses, pursue hobbies, travel, and care for Gordon, a kidney transplant recipient. She made a tremendous impact on her community. Providing childcare, volunteering (including Quota Club and the Orillia Public Library), going to her gym, attending concerts in the park, maintaining countless friendships, and pursuing a wide variety of hobbies: photography, stained glasswork, woodworking, sewing, genealogy, and writing.
She was curious and loved to share knowledge, experience and stories with old and instant friends. She will be dearly and deeply missed by so many.
Cremation has taken place. Interment will be alongside her late husband Gordon at St. Andrews- St. James cemetery in Orillia. A Celebration Of Life service will take place 1:00 PM on March 28th at Carson Funeral Home in Orillia.
Her family expresses sincere appreciation for the great care from the Oncology units at RVH and Soldiers’, as well as Dr. McIntosh, Dr. Silvester, and others who supported her in her journey.
The family kindly requests shared memories in written form, and donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, in lieu of flowers.
