Maud Gloria Barker was born in Calcutta, India on February 22nd, 1935, to the late Audrey and Stacey Watt-Roy. Maud was the younger of two sisters, her elder sibling being Pam Hartnett who resides in Sydney, Australia.
Maud was raised a devout Catholic and was convent educated in Calcutta. In 1956, at the Catholic Cathedral in Lucknow, Maud married George Barker who retired as Assistant Commissioner of Police, Calcutta. George Barker died in 2001.
In 1986, Maud went to England to visit her daughter Karina and returned to India the following year. Maud left India once again in 1993 for Canada where she lived the rest of her natural life. Due to medical necessities Maud spent the last eight years of her life at Bridgepoint Health Care located in downtown Toronto. She had a beautiful 270-degree view of the city from her room.
Maud was a committed housewife who devoted her life to her husband and her four daughters namely: Marlene, Sharon, Karina, and Iona. As the years went by, Maud became a proud grandmother to five grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. Maud fondly referred to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as “Boo” or even sometimes “wretch”. God knows where she picked that up from! Maud always referred to her youngest daughter Iona as “Ionie” and Karina, the second youngest, as “Ava.” Wonder where that came from too!
Maud was an active member of the Christ the King parish in Park Circus, Calcutta. Her local community and church meant a lot to her. Most people in the Park Circus Anglo-Indian community of Calcutta and beyond, knew who Maud Barker was. Some fondly referred to Maud as “Maudie Girl” while others, “Ma Barker.”
Maud was a natural redhead, who also loved her bright red lipstick! She was a very strong independent lady and maintained a no-nonsense approach. What you saw is what you got! Her steadfast faith and incredible fortitude were second to none. She always held her own when it came to maintaining her poise, grace and dignity. Maud always had a positive approach to matters pertaining to her health. She did not fuss about trifling matters. She always looked on the bright side of life. Maud was an avid sports woman and played basketball in her younger days. She hardly missed a sporting event that was telecast here in Toronto. She loved listening to music and could jive very well. One of her famous jive partners was the famous Calcutta Master of Ceremonies Ken Stewart. She always said her husband George had two left feet! Maud dabbled with Lady Luck and thoroughly enjoyed the thrill; she enjoyed playing Bingoand Rummy. Her favourite Toronto teams were the Blue Jays and the Leafs. She loved her Anglo-Indian dishes especially, the ones prepared by daughter Karina.
Maud left for her heavenly abode on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. She leaves behind her daughters Karina in Canada, Iona in India, five grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.
Rest in Peace Maud
Those unable to attended in person are invited to join the family virtually for the service. https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/44237.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.giffenmackscarborough.com for the family of Maud Barker.
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