Barbara Anne Morrison

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Barbara Anne Morrison. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Barbara was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

Barbara was born at Metropolitan Hospital in Windsor, Ontario on September 10, 1929. She was the daughter of Karl and Millie Siegner. Barbara was raised in Windsor, Ontario. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Barbara was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Barbara's personality throughout her life.

Though Barbara was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Barbara was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Barbara worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Barbara was raised with 3 siblings. She had three brothers Doug, Ken and Glenn. Barbara and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Barbara was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Barbara was always tactful. One thing Barbara will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Barbara had a number of interests and was an active child. She was a Rainbow Girl.

For Barbara, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Barbara was also adept at details. Barbara was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

There was one thing that all of Barbara's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Barbara was such a popular person throughout her life. But Barbara was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Barbara was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Barbara was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Barbara was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Barbara was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Barbara made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, one of her best friends was Ruth Sansom. Her husband’s best friend, Lorne Krause, soon became one of Barb's closest friends, and Lorne took extra special care of Barbara after Alex died in 1995. Later in life, she became friends with Jean Lowden, Pat Macdermid, Brenda Vanderveen, and a host of others, far too many to mention. Her life long membership in The Order Of The Eastern Star, her church, and time at her trailer in Port Glasgow gave Barbara a wonderful and varied group of friends.

Barbara was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Barbara cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On October 6, 1951 Barbara married Alexander Morrison at Trinity Lutheran Church of Windsor, Ontario. Compassionate and devoted, Barbara worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Barbara and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Barbara and Alex were blessed with 2 Children, Brad and Craig. They were also blessed with 2 grandchildren, Celine and Cameron. There were always plenty of other “siblings”, “Grandkids”, and assorted hangers-on at Barbara and Alex’s house. Catherine, Sandy and Matthew, Todd and Sandy, Lady Di, Michael from across the road, and of course Brad and Craig’s “sisters” Lynn and Gail were all part of the family. There were not many camping trips made that did not include at least one neighbourhood kid tagging along. Christmas was always special to Barbara, and there were always extra presents under the tree for anyone that might show up unannounced because they had no place else to go! Barbara was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Barbara was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Barbara would listen before she would act.

Barbara was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was a Housewife. She was employed for Bell Canada until she had her children, but also dabbled in selling Avon, baking and catering.

A methodical woman, Barbara enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. One of her favorite pursuits was being at her trailer.

Barbara was never much of a sports fan, but absolutely loved watching figure skating, taping all the shows so she could watch them again later.

Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Barbara to become actively involved in community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Barbara did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, Barbara was a member of the Rainbow Girls. Throughout her later years, Barbara was an active member of the Order Of Eastern Star and Trinity Church Choir, as well as actively supporting Brad and Craig through the Scarlett Brigade, Spirit Of Windsor Youth band parents clubs. She also volunteered at Central Park Lodge for many years.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served Barbara well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church all her life. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

A generous and compassionate woman, Barbara accomplished much during her lifetime. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Barbara was recognized and given awards for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included Presidents Council and Avon.

Barbara was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. She always had a dog.

Since it was easy for Barbara to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Barbara was ready when that day to retire finally came in 2005. In retirement, she found new pleasure at the Trailer. Even in retirement, Barbara stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

Barbara passed away on December 14, 2013 at Windsor Regional Hospital Metropolitan Campus in Windsor, Ontario. Her body finally caught up to her age. Her funeral was held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Thursday, December 19, 2013. Barbara was laid to rest in Victoria Memorial Gardens in Windsor, Ontario.

Barbara was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Barbara was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Barbara Anne Morrison.

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Gone to be with her beloved Alex in their Eternal Home at 84 years of age. Beloved Mother of Bradley and his wife Carrie-Lynn, and Craig. Proud Grandmother of Celine(Chris) and Cameron. Special Mama to Catherine and Sandy Stewart, and special Grandmother to Matthew Morris. Leaves behind very special friends Lorne Kraus, Darlene Bertolin, Ginger Siverns, Pat MacDermid, Brenda Vanderveen and a host of others too numerous to mention. Predeceased by her parents Karl and Millie Siegner and brothers Douglas (Rose), Kenneth (Doreen), Glenn (Fran), and her life-long friend Ruth Sansom. She was a life-long member of Trinity Lutheran Church, having been baptized, confirmed and married there, and where she was a member of the Senior Choir for over 70 years; member of Lutheran Church Women and Tuesday Senior’s Group. Barbara was a majority member of the International Order Rainbow for Girls and a Past Grand Representative and Past Mother Advisor. As a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, she was a 50 plus year member, Past grand Representative and Past District Deputy Grand Matron. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the 3rd Scout Troop at Giles United Church, where Alex was a member and Scoutmaster for many years. She served many years, along with her late husband, as a volunteer at Central Park Lodge; served on the Board of the Windsor-Essex County Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at the University of Windsor and was an active member of the Windsor Christian Women’s Club. Prior to having her family, she was employed in the Business Office at Bell Canada, and later worked as an Avon Representative for over 25 years, having been a member of the President’s Council several times and a member of the President’s Club most of her career. The family will receive friends at The Walter D. Kelly Life Celebration Centre (1969 Wyandotte St. E 519-252-5711) on Tuesday and Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A celebration of Barbara’s life will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church on Thursday, December 19, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Mike Lees officiating. Interment Victoria Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, The Canadian Cancer Society, The Heart and Stroke Foundation, The Windsor-Essex County Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, or to the charity of your choice.