Barbara Grace passed away unexpectedly on the evening of Sunday, September 8th, 2024 at the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, Goderich, Ontario in her. 74th year.
Barbara was born in Brockville, Ontario and was the daughter of George and Anna (McGregor) Leadbetter of Toronto and Goderich. She is survived by and will be greatly missed by her cousin Janet Bargh (Chris) and family. Barbara is also survived by relatives in California, Texas and Great Britain.
Barbara was a graduate of OCAD (Ontario College of Art and Design) and was a formidable talent of portraiture and landscape art. Her paintings won many awards over the years and feature proudly in the homes and businesses of the many who admired her gift to our culture.
Barbara also had a business career over the years, most notably in her early days with Wardair and more latterly with Bell Canada, while living in Toronto. Upon retirement, she moved to Goderich and purchased a century home that was decorated with her art and beautiful collection of antiques. Barb had many friends, entertained, and enjoyed the good life until recently when her health began to fail. We are grateful that she passed away suddenly and did not linger in extended pain and suffering.
As per Barbara’s wishes, there was no funeral. She was cremated and will be interred in the future with her parents in Kintail, Ontario.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Barb may do so the charity of their choice or to the OCAD.
A Celebration of life is planned for Sunday October 20, 2024 at the Maitland Golf and Country Club, 25 North Harbour Road East Goderich from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm .
Friends may sign the book of condolences at www.mccallumpalla.ca
Shared by Jane Broomfield (Drennan)
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Jo-Ann Marcoux
Friends for almost 20 years, I have thought of her daily since her passing and will miss her greatly. R.i.P. my dear friend.
Vito Pirri
Barb was a dear, dear friend to me. We met while working at Wardair in the 1980’s and developed a very strong friendship. We travelled together, my most favourite travel memory with Barb is when we spent pretty much an entire November travelling in Hawaii. We also were out for dinner together and with the gang we hung around with, went to parties and just generally hung out. Even after Wardair, we and our group still got together every now and then. Barb was feisty, certainly had an opinion and had a great sense of humour. I recently saw her when she came to Toronto for a Wardair reunion with the gang. We had a great time and it was wonderful seeing her. It was a shot to learn that only a short time after seeing her, she was gone.
I wish I could be at Barb’s Celebration of Life, but my disability makes driving long distances difficult, so please know that I will be there in spirit.
Rest in peace my dear good friend.
Jane Broomfield (Drennan)
Barb and I are cousins from the Drennan clan. Her mom Anne and my dad Stan were first cousins and grew up good friends. We have tried to keep connected by having lunch once a year. I am sad to hear about her sudden death.
Karen Sturdy
Barb and I worked together at the Sallows Gallery for a few years. Both of us were interested in art and its production. She, of course, was very talented and gave me lots of tips. Please accept my condolences on her passing. May she rest in peace. Karen Sturdy