Olivia and I had fallen out of touch during the pandemic, and I was sorry to learn of her passing earlier this year. 

Words cannot adequately describe the profound influence Olivia's friendship and hospitality have had on my life. She was my "host mother" during my time at Pearson College from 1988-90, and her elegant home, quiet guest room, energetic cats and delightful dinners provided a safe haven during the inevitable storms of my late teen years. I try to emulate her casual graciousness in how she opened her home and heart to people, and will forever cherish her memory. 

My own daughter is now 16, and all I can hope is that she, too, finds her Olivia when she leaves our home to go study abroad, as is her intention when she graduates from high school.

mrs barr was my high school english teacher in 1978/79.
she guided me through a very challenging and tragic school year , took me “ under her wing” as they say . 
i’ll never forget her passionate and caring ways . 
rest in peace my dear . 

marco gagliani

I became aware this morning of Olivia’s passing last year. My belated condolences to her family. She was a remarkable woman! I met her when we were students at what then was still Victoria College in 1962-63, when we collaborated with a few others in editing the so-called Anti-Calendar, a students’ guide to courses. We were in touch occasionally over the years until, it the 1990s, when I was working on a history of academic freedom in Canada, she proved to be of significant help. We corresponded about SLAPP’s and their implications for freedom of speech and academic freedom. We met once in person, over a coffee at Murchie’s in Victoria; her intellect was as keen as it had been several decades earlier. I’m sorry to know that she’s gone. May her memory be a blessing.

My brother met Olivia while at Pearson College and she later became a friend of our entire family. 
She was an amazing person and we are terribly sorry to hear of her passing. 
Our condolences to Douglas and Seumas.
Kettina Cordero

My most sincere condolences to Olivia's son Douglas and Olivia's family for the loss of this remarkable woman.  Sadly, I just saw her name in the UVic Torch...
While retired, Olivia shared her teaching, generosity and most compassionate skills through volunteering at the Canadian Cancer Society in Victoria.    Under the Support Programs I was coordinating, Olivia has kindly facilitated several Communication workshops with the purpose of enhancing the volunteers skills who were providing emotional support to cancer patients.
I only have fond memories about this amazing lady who was truly a gift to me and to all of us at during my years at the Cancer Society.
I celebrate Olivia's life!

I am honoured to have been a colleague of Olivia’s for over a decade at Oak Bay High School.  She was truly a Master educator and Counsellor. She consistently held to the highest stands as a senior English teacher , and many students contacted her from University to thank her for that. 
As a Counsellor she was compassionate and moved many, many students from a place of dark despair to renewed hope. 
In every regard Olivia was a Change Maker. To know her was to be richer for the experience.
Allen York M.Ed., M.A.

I am writing on behalf of the Lower Vancouver Island Retired Teachers Association.  Olivia was a valued member of the group.  She was heavily involved in the Scholarship Committee.  A big thank you for all the effort put in to support new teachers.  Thank you for the legacy gift.
We have just learned of Olivia's passing.  We would like to offer our condolences at this time.  Her name will be included in our next bulletin to members.  May your memories of Olivia bring your peace.
Berna Ruffell
Sunshine Committee for LVIRT

She was more than a host to me. Olivia helped me through a very traumatic part of my life at the time. I was fortunate enough to be in contact with her just weeks before she passed to thank her for all that she had done back at Pearson. She was the same old clever, self-sacrificing woman I fell in love with back then. So so sad. A loss to the world.

Dear Douglas, Seamus and loved ones,

It is hard to believe that the force that is Olivia has passed away.  May you be comforted as you grieve.

Olivia was a great 'host parent' to me and so many Pearson College students.  To me, she was a friend and a wonderful correspondent and advisor over the many years since she hosted me in her home in Oak Bay.  She attended my wedding, and met my extended families in 1995 and has provided loving wisdom and shared our mutual joys by letter and when I visited in 2001 and 2009.  We last corresponded early in 2023.  

It is a joy to see the photos here of Olivia and her exuberant smile.

May Light perpetual shine upon her. 

Sue

Mrs. Barr was a bright, inspiring woman whose love for learning made me believe I could succeed with my education . I met her when I was fairly young through my uncle Paul and I spent several weekends at her lovely home in Victoria. 
Her dedication to and belief in education had a deep and lasting effect on my young mind and I remember thinking that one day I wanted to be “just as successful as Mrs. Barr”. 
It’s funny how someone can have a brief but profound influence on a life just by being emphatically themselves. 
She will forever be a very special memory from my childhood. 
Lots of love to the family and friends.
Raychel Bouwman

Olivia was such a dedicated and  vital part of the Retired Teacher's Scholarship Committee.  She served as the Vice President for many years.    I know how dear it was to her heart.  We were so sad when her health deteriorated and she had to give it up.   We miss her very much....  
Our Condolences to all of her family.
Sincerely,
Carole Gray
Secretary GVRTSC

I was a student at Lambrick Park Secondary from 1984-1989. She was a great teacher.
R.I.P.

I was privileged  as a young teacher, age 25, to teach in the same school as Olivia Barr. She was an excellent school counselor who found thousands of scholarships for young people.
Her elegance , wit and charm so inspired me that I named my second daughter "Olivia" after her.
My prayers are with your family Olivia,
Sincerely
Charlotte Harvey

A life well lived...

I'm another Pearson student who found warmth, comfort, sustenance, sleep, and lemon cake at Olivia's house. Her letter was waiting for me when I arrived at the College. She loved that I felt the need to "check her references" before ringing her up. We met at the bus depot, went to Barb's fish & chips, and then went to her house so she could teach me to sew a button. We needed fabric to practice, so she offered the hem of her skirt. 

Not only did Olivia welcome me into her home, but most of my family too. And she stayed at our home in Nova Scotia. I remember going to the nearby breakwater on a windy day. We got soaked by the crashing waves. She loved it.

It was so wonderful to reconnect with Olivia when I returned to Victoria for Law School. She wlecomed me back into her home and introduced me to her newest group of Pearson students. 

Like others, it's hard to describe what Olivia's friendship meant to me. She provided a safe space. A home away from home. 

I lost touch with her over the last few years. But was so pleased to be able to see her again this past summer. Her body was frail but her mind sharp. She'll be missed. Rest in peace.

Robin was essentially my older sister because our mothers were sisters so we spent a goodly amount of time in each other's company. When she was in her late teens and twenties she was a dead ringer for Grace Kelly.  I was in awe of her.
In later life I was again awed by her intense passion for dragon boating and the international events allowed us to have dinner between flights in Toronto. On one of her connecting flights my sister Connie and I were to meet her but when  we got to Pearson we learned  there was a fire on the tarmac. Fortunately It wasn't Robin's flight but they kept her plane sitting on the tarmac for hours. Air Canada was delighted when I asked if I could take her into town that night (usually forbidden) and she spent two nights with me.She loved to talk so we phoned sporadically but that was was the last time I saw her.

Olivia, you once told me that you didn’t worry too much when something broke – that someone had taught you that if something was lost or broken, one’s time with it was over, and that was ok…it would make space for something else to land in your hand. I never forgot this, and it’s helped me over the years. But letting you go? That, Dear Olivia, is hard. I’m sad that our time with you is over, and will miss you very much. You are irreplaceable. A singular person whom I was privileged to call my friend. I am so, so grateful for your life. Rest well, and know that I carry you in my heart, and will celebrate you by seeking to live well – generously, hospitably, with curiosity and fun…and with a dash or two of irreverence for good measure…Love you always! (5/5)

There were letters and cards exchanged over the years, and phone calls too. Many stories shared. The last time we saw one another in person was in 2021, when Scott and I were in Victoria for our anniversary. We had Thai food at a lovely restaurant, and savoured precious time with our amazing, resilient, kind-as-ever friend…I’m thankful to have also had the chance to speak with her a few times not long before she died.  (4/5)

Some extra-special memories for me, of lovely times spent with Olivia throughout over three decades of friendship:

Exploring a Japanese art exhibit together, with Olivia explaining the wood-block technique

Riding in the (huge!) Volvo – a classic! 

Telling Olivia about the Big Adventure of Jaylene, Grommit and the Maintenance Man…the one where Grommit locked herself in the bathroom when I was at the house alone, save for the maintenance man who showed up to fix something outside that day, and who kindly took the door off of its hinges for me after my numerous attempts to pick the lock! (She forgave me, and I “think” Grommit did too!)

Olivia sitting a young man from the youth orchestra down in the livingroom for a few pre-date questions (since my parents were not there to do so, she said!) while I blew the candles out in the dining room and promptly lit my hair on fire! I know, I know…I forgot to use the snuffer…

Dinner at the Faculty Club, and enjoying Olivia’s interactions with some of her other friends. 

Visiting Busch Gardens, having a picnic, and staying for the light-show/fireworks…I think she enjoyed seeing my face light up almost as much as the fireworks themselves.

Fish & Chips and strolling amongst colourful houseboats, saying hello to the seals along the way.

Olivia coming to hear me play at a local coffee shop when I was on tour - I'm not sure anyone else cared that I was there, but she cheered me on and was so encouraging. Such a good friend. 

Olivia meeting my now husband, Scott, for the first time, and him getting to experience her wonderful hospitality and lively conversation. Then, years later, Olivia meeting our baby, Macey, and the two sussing one another out…Olivia was quite taken with the wee six-month-old whose eyes followed her every move!

Watching Olivia race with her dragonboat team, on a beautiful day in Victoria. She was in her element, and it was so much fun to see! (3/5)

Olivia opened her home to me as a Pearson student. I can still feel the warmth of her place – the lovely artwork on the walls, including the beautiful woodblock prints that now grace my walls – a very generous and much-cherished gift from her to me…cards, postcards, photos, and souvenirs from travels and friends from all over the globe…the candles’ friendly glow from their silver candle holders as we ate off of fancy plates with fancy flatwear (we should enjoy these nice things, she taught me)…Fefa, Dewa, Grommit, Little Boy, Sweetpea, and the other beloved felines, gorgeously curled up together and always aware of the presence of “the guest”… the way one sank into the sofa to curl up with some Mexican (hot) chocolate and continue the evening’s conversation - the dishes soaking in the washbasin…Olivia with her reading glasses, immersed in a great book, or keeping up with the daily news…knitted slippers, a red jumper, - woolen, if I am remembering rightly - wellies, a brollie, and a rain slicker…eating muesli in the breakfast nook, and doing crosswords in the morning sunlight…the gritty gardener’s hand-soap that worked so well…The rain on the window-panes…the coziness of the upstairs room – one of my favourite places to be – I felt safe there. And I felt loved. I always left my time with her feeling better – like things would be ok…like I would be ok…that I was ok. (1/5)

Olivia was my host mom while I studied at Pearson College in 1986-88.  I will cherish the memories of walks to the beach, lemon cake by the fireplace, dinners at the faculty club and hours and hours of enlightening conversation…. I was honoured by her visit to my home in Costa Rica and will always carry her smile in my heart!  She was my home away from home.  Thank you Olivia!  I love and admire you… always!

Olivia was a friend and inspiration to so many from Pearson College. Sharp, fun, thoughtful, determined, curious, loyal. She was one helluva person, and I'll never forget her. Deepest condolences to Douglas, Seumas, the rest of her family, and her many friends.

Olivia was a fun inspiring brilliant warm and inspiring woman. Her passion for paddling was unbelievable. The last time I saw Olivia her body was failing significantly yet she said “ I would grab my paddle and go in a moment!” What an honour to know enjoy life and paddle with Olivia! Lynne Young

I have so many great memories of times we shared it would take days to write them all.  She was a wonderful friend to so many people.

Dearest Duchess, there are no words to express my sadness on receiving news of your passing. I will treasure the memories of the times we spent together. Rest in Peace, Duchess

Olivia opened her home to me while a student at Pearson college.  Her warmth, lively conversation and lemon drizzle cake are some of the fondest memories I carry with me from my time in Canada.  

She had the misfortune of visiting me in Galway, Ireland,  shortly after I passed my driving test and survived a whirlwind trip around Connemara.   That evening she met my then boyfriend, now husband and we laughed a lot and talked about her travels.  She presented me with a small purse she had picked up while visiting another student from South America.  I think many students will have had similar experiences and treasured items from her over the years.  My daughter now has that purse and understands its sentimental value.  

Always kind, forever thoughtful.  So glad your mom shared her life with us.  I hope you find comfort in the many tributes you read and hear in the coming days & weeks.

In 2010 my husband Seumas and I took my mother to the “Centre of the Universe” (the Dominion Observatory in Saanich BC) and got this absolutely iconic picture of her against the dome.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Olivia R. Barr

Décédé(e) le 25 NOVEMBRE 2023

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