Maeve E. Barham

Maeve Elizabeth Barham

1948-2015

With deep sorrow, friends and associates in Canada, Costa Rica and England mourn the sudden death of Maeve Barham on August 23, 2015 at her home. Maeve had emigrated to Canada after a 13 year professional and technical career in publishing in England, eventually choosing to live as a career professional in Toronto, Ontario. Her interest in writing and skill with computers led her to a position from 1984-1988 as a training and documentation specialist with CTV Television Network Limited, then as a documentation specialist with Stirling Douglas Group, Inc., from 1998-2001, and later, with Broadview Software. She also continued with Evening Course studies in The Faculty of Information Studies at University of Toronto, and pursued various interests and some travel to her family home in England. A life-long learner, Maeve had only recently enrolled in a French-language program at the university. Her other interests ranged from birding, nature walks, and gardening to needlework, photography and writing fiction. Maeve avidly collected classic, but unusual pottery and chinaware, books and enjoyed visits to the Stratford Festival and other theatre, particularly English drama. Her wonderful sense of wry humour could keep any conversation stimulating at parties. Her love of fine writing and poetry perfectly balanced her sense of the absurd aspects of human nature found in both classic and modern romantic fiction.

As a caregiver to others, in the 1980’s and 1990’s, Maeve generously shared time on several care teams with and for friends, demonstrating an exceptional sensitivity and alert capability both with her elders and with animals. Although strong in personality and viewpoint, Maeve’s vulnerability was evident in April after the death of her very special and beloved, aged pet cat, Dinah. Maeve grieved her loss immensely, yet valiantly and optimistically, recently anticipated organizing another trip to England and planned to spend more time there with friends in future.

As Maeve wished, cremation has occurred and arrangements in her finality and for burial will be private. Maeve’s friends and Executor wish to acknowledge the kindness, consideration, and support as shown by Detective Hamil Leslie, and other staff of Toronto Police Services, the

various health care professionals on whom Maeve relied, City Park Management and Security staff, and by Rosar Morrison (Sherbourne) staff who have facilitated her final care.

Donations in Maeve’s memory to The Farley Foundation, veterinary assistance for animal care

would be appreciated. Please contact : [email protected]

Remembering our Maeve, let our sorrow remind us to deepen our interpersonal connections,

to live, to laugh and to love such that we find a renewed sense of meaning in life.

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