Barbara Hazel Sabatini

Barb (as she preferred) was born in Uxbridge, Middlesex, England on March 19, 1937 to George and Irene Couch. She emigrated with her parents and younger brothers, David and Fred to Canada in 1949, living in Toronto until 2023 when she moved to Guelph.

After graduating high school, Barb started work as a typist for Chartered Trust. She continued her clerical work, with a pause when she had Susan, at the same company (now Computershare after various mergers and acquisitions over the years) until she retired at 65. At the time of her retirement, the occasional item still needed to be typed and she was the only one who knew how to use a typewriter!

Barb was the cherished wife of Miro for 66 years (until his death). Her greatest joy was her family and she took such good care of all of us. Granma — her preferred spelling — was incredibly proud of her grandchildren, Bethany and Matthew, and was a big part of their growing up. She loved spending time with them, and they are blessed to have had such a loving and nurturing grandmother.

Barb enjoyed travelling, especially to Europe, and also enjoyed many vacations in the Caribbean with her good friend, Nora. Her other hobbies over the years included reading, word search puzzles, baking, shopping (she was the best bargain finder), sewing, knitting, swimming, walking, going to the movies, and watching the birds from her condo balcony. She enjoyed Toronto – the Beaches, the CNE, going to the Islands, walking the ravine paths, the theatres, Casa Loma, and events like the CHIN picnic and the Santa Claus Parade. She was happiest spending time with family and friends. In the last few years, living in long term care at St. Joe’s in Guelph, she was at every activity and event scheduled. She accepted her physical limitations with grace and made the best of her situation, enjoying each day. And after wanting piano lessons her whole life, she finally got them!

Barb will be remembered for her kindness and generosity. She will be forever loved and missed by her daughter Susan and son-in-law Richard, grandchildren Bethany and Matthew, her brother Fred (Sue), sisters-in-law Alisia Sabatini and Maria-Pia Sabatini, her nephew and nieces and their families, extended family, and friends. Barb was predeceased by her parents, brother David, brothers-in-law Vittorio Sabatini and Francesco Mirichigni, and sister-in-law Pina Mirichigni.

We will miss her greatly but are comforted knowing she has joined Miro and family and friends in Heaven where she will be surrounded by happiness.

The family extends deep gratitude and thanks for the outstanding care and compassion she received from St. Joseph’s Health Centre Long Term Care (Guelph) and the Guelph General Hospital.

Visitation will be held at the Giffen-Mack-Trull Funeral Home at 2570 Danforth Ave (at Main St.), Toronto on Wednesday February 4, 2026 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Funeral service and interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barb’s memory may be made to the St. Joseph's Health Centre Foundation Guelph or the SickKids Hospital Foundation.