Doriana Barros

In the wee hours of the morning on April 1, 2023, a shining light was forever dimmed from this earth. After a long and trying week at Langley Memorial, our mother took her last breath. After 7 years, dementia little by little stole all of our mother’s memories and feelings, and eventually took her body and spirit.

Doriana Barros (Urbani) was born in Valdagno, Italy on November 20th 1948, and came to Canada with her family at 8 years old. Though the transition was challenging, she loved her new home and became a true East Ender. Doriana is predeceased by her parents Silvano & AnnaMaria Urbani and her husband Leo Barros.

She leaves behind her partner Kevin Blake; son Rod McCann (Emmy); daughter Lia Barros (Blair); grandchildren Vincent, Gina & Brittany; great grandchildren; sister Marilena Young (Ron); nieces Stephanie,Jennifer & step-daughter Lynnae Barros (Mike).

Doriana was an avid lover of the arts - movies, concerts, art and really entertainment of all kinds. And music - it was a rare moment that you’d walk into her home without hearing jazz, blues, rock, reggae, Latin or pop. She was also a brilliant artist herself in the acrylic medium. Doriana was a vibrant spirit and her house and clothing reflected that. She loved colour and bling! By nature, our mother was a straight shooter and didn’t waste time on pretence. She would tell you how she saw it and never apologized for it. Doriana loved to travel and entertain, and was a great friend, fun loving and true. Eventually, in 2007, she was able to marry all these passions when she and Kevin built a house in Mexico - a home that was as vibrant as our mother was. There they shared all the ‘joie de vivre’ that anyone could have hoped for.

Kevin cared for our mother lovingly throughout her dementia decline. The family is forever grateful for his love, compassion and generosity.