Barbara Marie Cameron

Barbara Marie Cameron left this world suddenly and peacefully on Thursday, February 5th. The youngest of seven, she was raised on the family dairy farm in Otonabee township. Upon the passing of her father, Robert Young Cameron, Barbara in her youth became a strong support for her mother, Janet, née McAlpine. As a sister to Kay (Montgomery - Eldon), Donald, Jean, Marjorie (Mason - Eric), Eleanor (Carruthers - Graham), and Neil (Doris, née Jopling), Barbara cultivated a profound bond with each, as she did with several of her cousins, keeping in touch throughout the years. Dear Aunt Barbara took a keen interest in her many nieces and nephews, and her greats & great-greats. Offering adventure, humour, and a break from the norm, she always pulled off a wonderfully quirky & cool influential aunt status.

A fighter and survivor, Barbara’s life was a testament to overcoming challenges; she refused to be held back, forging a fulfilling and lovingly interesting life. Excelling in high school, and after a stint at Queen's University in the sciences, Barbara came into her own at Mutual Life. Beginning in Toronto and eventually returning to her roots in Peterborough, she was a valued support to the office with others leaning on her many strengths. Later, Barbara donned the mantle of care provider to the O'Donoghue's of East City and, in so doing, gained a second family. Her relationship with Dan and the late Ann and her special bond and dedication to Jeremy, Jason, and Kyle was profoundly rewarding to all, spanning several decades.

Barbara's interests were unbounded. Many remember her signature cream-coloured Vauxhall, fondly known as "Buttercup", which she drove with such pride; also her numerous fur babies, including the renowned Shelley, Muffy, and finally Charlie. Barbara had a fascinating sense of style; she loved jewellery and accessories, always unapologetically dressing for joy! She had an affinity with Vinnies, generously donating to and also revelling in the hunt, thrilled at discovering the occasional treasure for her collections. Her artistic achievements were plentiful, finding particular pleasure in hand-building pottery and tin punching. Barbara was an avid traveller and visitor, covering much of Canada, the United Kingdom, Hawaii, and even China in her 80's. She was an integral part of the United Church community and will be remembered fondly by countless as a Sunday school teacher, a church secretary, and a UCW member for years, even attending an event the day before her passing. Barbara was the keeper of family ancestry interest and the organizer of many a get-together for the enjoyment of sharing tales of yesteryear. Of course, her famous traditional Scottish shortbread was always sure to delight!

Reaching just shy of her 94th birthday, Barbara became well acquainted with the healthcare community, touching all she met. The family is highly appreciative and will always remember with warmth the kindness, personal attention, and efforts made by so many. Her last 5 and 1/2 years were cherished at St. John's Centre, building yet another family among the staff and fellow tenants, a place where compassionate care and attention were so generously extended. We thank you most kindly.

Rest well Barbara, you will be missed. 🤍 Honouring Barbara’s wishes, there will be no service. Cremation has taken place and a private interment will follow later at the Cameron Cemetery. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.ComstockKaye.com. Should you wish to honour Barbara’s memory through a donation, please consider the Cameron Cemetery board (by cheque to 102 Mill St., RR 2, Norwood ON K0L 2V0), PRHCFoundation.ca, PeterboroughHumaneSociety.ca, or a cause of your choosing.