Barbara Hawker Chevreau

Barbara grew up in Warwickshire and learned a sense of pluck as a young girl that she relied upon throughout her 86 years. She survived whooping cough, the loss of her brother David at an early age, the Warwick School for Girls, the Great Depression, the bombings and rationing of the Second World War, a couple of cancer scares, and a half century of smoking – as well as six decades in suburban Toronto. She was devoted to her parents Grace and Stephen Shiner, brother Malcolm and sister Stephanie. Her Aunt Peggy remained forever her best inspiration and dearest friend.

Barbara was introduced to Hugh through a photograph and yearlong stream of international correspondence. They finally met in 1953 and married shortly after. Their forty-four years together were filled with comic adventures, bridge tables, cryptic crosswords, flowers and, most importantly, a trio of astonishingly handsome sons. Hugh’s death in 1999 brought for her a lonely sadness that she was never able to shed. Barbara loved giggling, secretly dancing, carnations, books, her photo albums and a ready supply of wine and spirits. She was a mainstay at North York General Hospital where she volunteered for over four decades. Though she tended to see life as a half empty vessel, she soldiered through it with frugality, a strong sense of fairness and a dogged determination to overcome weariness. Though she tended to express her love through query and worry, her underlying kindness endeared her to those around her. Barbara was forever grateful for the loving and unflagging support that Malcolm, Marg, Laura and Joan and Keith showed her over the years. We would like to thank Eagle Terrace for their kind and gentle care during her last days where she lived with a quiet acceptance and cheerful appreciation. She is survived by her sons Guy (Kerry), David (Kathy) and Paul as well as her grandchildren Graham, Caitlin, Claire and Gareth. Barbara would have us remember, if something squeaks, use Nivea.