How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.
Winnie the Pooh – A.A. Milne
We are saddened to say that our friend, Barbara Elizabeth Perry, died in the early hours of June 10, one month to the day after her 77th birthday. The end came suddenly, and she passed quietly and peacefully at Hamilton General Hospital.
Barb was a long time member of CFUW Brantford where she had many friends who remember her very fondly. She supported the club through her work on the executive as president, chair of the social and program committees and member of the scholarship committee. Barb was a well-respected teacher for the Brant County Board of Education in various schools throughout her career.
In her active life, Barb loved travelling, her garden, fashion and her cats, especially the Burmilla breed, after her dad gave her one as a gift. For her human friends, Barb was a loyal, thoughtful, generous and kind companion. Travelling with Garry and Joan Burns, Barb experienced Europe, Africa and the Americas. She was quite a dressmaker in her younger years, sewing her own clothing and doing needlework. Her garden was even featured on a TV program. Her cats, however, were always at the centre for Barb, the most spoiled felines imaginable.
She also loved the theatre; musicals, opera and drama. Stratford and The Shaw provide many happy memories for many CFUW friends. The COC and Opera Atelier in Toronto, with its historical, classical dance and the Tafelmusik orchestra were real treats, as were the great meals at the Queen Mother’s restaurant on Queen Street! And the shopping…
Barb was an intelligent reader, enjoying book groups, exchanging interesting choices with others and participating in the ensuing lively conversations together. The COVID shutdown, however, was not kind and Barb became rather cloistered. Kind friends tried to keep in touch. On her last garden centre outing with two long-time friends, Barb bought a blue rose which will now bloom in Lynne McEwen’s garden, a beautiful reminder of our mutual friend.
We will miss her. Submitted by Jenny D., Lynne M.