Barbara died peacefully at the age of 96 on February 21st at Margaret Bahen Hospice in Newmarket ON. She was married to Jack Toivanen (d) for 56 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Kathy (Al), John (Linda), and Lesley (Emil) along with her grandchildren, Thomas (Laura), Meredith, Hayley, Scott (Lindsay), Gregory, Julie and great grandchildren, Mackenzie and Arthur.
Barbara graduated with a BScN from the University of Toronto in 1949. Early in her nursing career she worked with the VON and as a Red Cross Nurse at outposts in Haliburton and Matachewan. She also served as a public health nurse in Manitouwadge and North Bay. At her retirement, she had been a nursing instructor for many years at Canadore College in North Bay.
In her retirement, Barbara continued to contribute to the community through her support of hospices and the establishment of a health cabinet in her local United Church.
Throughout her life, Barbara enjoyed summers with extended family and friends at the cottage on the shores of Lake Rosseau, Muskoka.
Barbara’s family wish to thank the staff at Chartwell Hollandview Trail Retirement Home, Aurora, Dr So and York Region Palliative Care Team and Margaret Bahen Hospice, Newmarket.
A visitation for Barbara will be held Sunday, March 10, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora. A funeral service will occur Monday, March 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Aurora United Church @ Trinity Anglican Church, 79 Victoria Street, Aurora followed by a reception at Binions Hall @ Trinity Anglican Church. Committal service to follow at Aurora Cemetery.
Contributions in Barbara's memory may be made to Margaret Bahen Hospice, myhospice.ca/support-my-hospice and Alzheimer Society of Canada, alzheimer.ca.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ThompsonFH-Aurora.com
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