Barbara Ann Paquette

She is now reunited with her late husband and best friend, Darcy. Daughter of the late George and Carmel Sorochinsky. Proud mother of Jon Frolick (Suzanne Morley) of Canmore, Alberta, Karen VanLandeghem (Marcel) and Jodi Paquette, both of Sault Ste. Marie. Adoring and fun-loving Nanie of Jessica Cavaliere (Rob). Loving grandmother of Mia Morley (Jeff) of Edmonton, Alberta, Joelson Morley (Catriona) of Borden, Ontario and Annabelle and Alexis of Sault Ste. Marie. Much loved sister of Frank Sorochinsky (Jo) of Ottawa, Ontario. Treasured aunt of Kristine Lee (Chris) and great-aunt of Katie of Ottawa, Ontario.

Barb will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her love of laughter, and all the memories she made with everyone fortunate enough to know her. She loved her family, her children and grandchildren very much.

Barb was known as Maw to her children’s friends. She had an incredible gift for making all of her “kids” laugh with her bombastic comments and razor sharp wit. Her humor was unforgettable, her heart was enormous and her door was always open to all of the kids who spent so much time hanging around her house. Maw was their den mother, cheerleader, supporter and without question the most brazen, hilarious women ever known. She will never be forgotten.

When her granddaughter Jessica Kristine came along, she was known as Nanie and was truly one of a kind. She was equal parts hilarious, outrageous, and completely unforgettable. She was Jes’s biggest fan and became the honorary Nanie of just about everyone Jes knew. She happily adopted her friends—especially Dana, Britney, and Adam—as her own, welcoming them to camp with open arms, sharing endless laughs, and giving them more freedom than their parents may have liked. Jessica’s favorite memories were spent with Nanie & Papa at Fred’s Trailer Park, where there always seemed to be a crowd gathered, a card game in progress, and enough laughter to be heard across the park. When Jes met Rob he pulled off the impossible and got Nanie’s immediate stamp of approval. She proudly told everyone who would listen, how much she loved him and was impressed with how he worked way too long and hard!

Nanie loved dancing, soap operas, the National Enquirer, People magazine, Bingo, scratch tickets and jewelry that sparkled as brightly as she did. She loved reading books and watching movies and could recite quotes from both for years afterward. Nanie could turn a five-minute story into a half-hour performance, complete with dramatic details and a laugh so big it was infectious. The world feels a little quieter without her voicemails and her larger-than-life personality. The hole she leaves behind can never be filled, but we are comforted knowing that every time family & friends gather, laugh too loudly, tell a long-winded story or play Bingo, a little piece of Nanie remains with us.

Known for her playful personality, Barb was a master of April Fools' pranks. Year after year, she successfully fooled her children. Her sense of humor and ability to make people laugh will never be forgotten.

Barb's favorite time of year was October. She absolutely loved Halloween and looked forward to every opportunity to dress up in outrageous costumes alongside the love of her life, Darcy. Some of her happiest memories were made carving pumpkins with Jessica and embracing the magic of the season. Barb never missed an opportunity to celebrate. She was always the last person to leave a party, determined not to miss a single moment of fun.

She was a devoted Toronto Blue Jays fan and often called her brother Frank to share her thoughts on the latest game.

The Garden River Bingo Hall will surely miss its number one "frequent flyer." Barb loved playing double headers with Suzanne and Jackie during their glory days, and those memories remained among her favorites. She also loved trying her luck with scratch tickets, always believing that the tickets Jodi brought her, certainly would be a big winner!

Anyone who knew Barb knew her love for all things that sparkled. Every shopping request came with strict instructions that her jewelry or clothing had to include glitter, bling, or preferably both. She adored hearts and angels, and her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now their guardian angel, watching over them. In true Barb fashion, we are certain she will find a way to send a lightning bolt or two if we dare have too much fun without her.

Some of the very best years of Barb's life were spent at Fred's Trailer Park on St. Joseph Island. Together, Barb and Darcy built lifelong friendships and created countless memories with Jimmy and Marie, Anna and Derek, Sally, Guy and Michael, Ellen, Ester and Dora, and so many others who became family. Card games in the addition often stretched into the wee hours of the morning, while campfires were filled with laughter, music, and storytelling. Barb's door was always open, and she loved nothing more than a warm summer day spent sharing a meal and some fun, surrounded by family & friends.

Barb was also a fan favorite participant in the St. Joseph Island Corn Fest Parade, where her creativity and enthusiasm earned her the first-place prize on multiple occasions. Among the most memorable were her award-winning "Mr. and Mrs. Canada" and "The Little Mermaid" creations. Her imagination knew no bounds.

Above all else, Barb was happiest when surrounded by the people she loved. She never met a stranger, only people who hadn’t yet become her friend. Her warmth, generosity, laughter, and unwavering love for family and friends created a lifetime of treasured memories that will never fade.

Darcy was her husband for 56 years and the love of Barb's life. While her absence leaves an immeasurable void, her family finds great comfort in knowing that they are reunited at last—dancing together & playing cards to once again decide who’s turn it is to wash the dishes. Rest peacefully.

“I'll be seeing you in all the old familiar places”

Family and friends are invited to visit at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East 705-759-2522) on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 6:45 pm, with a funeral service to follow at 7:00 pm, Pastor Brad Mittleholtz officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to A.R.C.H., Zion Lutheran Church or the Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society would be greatly appreciated. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Paquette family.