Barbara passed away peacefully at Stratford General Hospital the morning of December 5, 2024. Barbara was born in April 1946 as the 7th of nine children to Olga and Tom Hern. Barbara grew up on the Hern Line and was the shortest of the children but also the most competitive and happy of kids too. Barbara was married to Earl for over 55 years where they farmed and raised their family at Whalen Corners. Cherished mother of Elizabeth (Blair), Andrea (Shawn), and Jared (Gayle) and proud grandma of Zoe, Noah, Aiden, Alicia, Kelton, Valerie and Calvin. Dear sister and sister-in-law of Alma, Wayne, Sheila (Ernie), Alan (Marilyn), Margaret, Jane, and Joe (Marlene). Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Barbara is predeceased by her parents, sister Muriel (John), and brothers Tom, Ron (Janet & Pat), and Lorne, sister-in-law Laura, and brothers-in-law Ross, and Garry.
Barbara loved gardening and crocheting and was an active member and volunteer through the years at Zion West United Church, 4-H, Girl Guides and basically anywhere her family was! Barbara was a true fighter as she lived with the diagnosis of Parkinson’s for over 20 years and never complained or gave up. She cooked meals, cleaned and packed eggs right up until the last month. She taught everyone many things including the need of playing to win, superstitions, and how to be a great friend and neighbour.
Barbara had a fun personality and in her memory we ask you to find your colourful socks and comfortable clothing to wear to the visitation or from the comfort of your home as you think of your memories with her.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER on Sunday, December 8th from 1 – 4 PM, where Barbara’s funeral service will be held on Monday, December 9th at 1 PM. Interment Zion West Cemetery.
Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh
Friends and family are welcome to provide donations to the Parkinson’s Society of Southwestern Ontario, Zion West United Church or the charity of their choice.
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).
George and Sue Wilson
Wayne and siblings, Earl and family, heartfelt condolences on your loss. Cherish your precious memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Walter and Sandra McKenzie
My sincere condolences and sympathy to you Earl and your family. My thoughts are with you.
Ray Horne and Family
Sorry to hear of your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers .
Rob and Deb Pihl
Our deepest sympathy to you Earl, Elizabeth, Andrea, Jared and families. Barb will be missed by all who knew her.
Rob and Deb Pihl
John & Lucie McTavish
Shawn Andrea and family
Sorry for your loss. Sending you our deepest sympathies.
John & Lucie McTavish
Linda Salts
Earl, Elizabeth, Andrea, Jared and family.
Our deepest condolences .
We will always remember Barb’s smile, the friendly chats and her strength and determination.
Rob and Linda Salts
Jim and Jeanette Jenkins
Earl, our deepest condolences to you and your family. We have pleasant memories of spending time with you and Barb at WESTAG reunions.
Sharon MacDonald
My sincere condolences and sympathy to all of you. My thoughts & prayers are with you. Barb was a blessing back in the day when she helped us with Girl Guides & Brownies in Lucan. So many memories. Some many good friends.
Paul & Mary Lou Malone
Dear Earl, Elizabeth,Andrea, Jared and all the family
We are so sorry for your loss. Barb was always a great neighbour and a faithful contributor to the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Paul & Mary Lou Malone
Melonie Miller
Our sympathies to the Hern & French families .. always a smile
Barry & Melonie Miller
Shirley Lyons
To Earl & family:
So sorry to read of Barb’s passing.
Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Township of Lucan Biddulph
On behalf of the Township of Lucan Biddulph Staff & Council, please accept our deepest sympathies. We are all thinking of you and your family during this time.
Kelly O'Connor
My sincere condolences on the loss of your wife, Earl
Lisa Mardlin-Vandewalle
Dear Earl, Elizabeth, Andrea, Jared and families,
My sincere condolences on the passing of Barb, your mom and grandmother. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Do take care.
Lisa Mardlin-Vandewalle
John & Arlene Berendsen
Sorry to hear of your loss..Thinking of all of you..Arlene & John
Don and Shirley Wright (Hern)
We are sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. We had a nice visit with her at the Hern Reunion last July. Treasure the memories you have of her.
Don and Shirley Wright (Hern)
Gary and Kathy simpson
To Earl and family.
Sending our sincere condolences since reading of Barb’s passing. So glad for our last visit at Hern picnic. She was always smiling no matter how she was feeling. One of the good ones, gone to soon, but left a wonderful legacy in her children.
Walter J McIlwain
My deepest sympathy Earl and Family
Walter McIlwain, Goderich
Barry and Nancy Millls
Earl and family, our deepest sympathy for your loss. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Reg and Lucille McCurdy
Earl, Elizabeth, Andrea, Jared and families and the Hern and French families,
We extend our sincere sympathy in the passing of Barb, I always enjoyed chats with Barb, her wonderful smile and positive attitude. She fought a long fight, and now may she rest in peace. Cherish your many memories.
Reg and Lucille McCurdy
Leroy and Nancy Maguire
Earl and family
We are so sorry for your loss of Barb. She was a lovely lady. Our condolences to all of you at this difficult time.
Leroy and Nancy Maguire
Let and Nancy Maguire
Earl and family
We are so sorry for your loss of Barb. She was a lovely lady. Our condolences to all of you at this difficult time.
Leroy and Nancy Maguire
Laurel Imeson
My deepest sympathies to Barbara’s family and friends.
I am so thankful for the friendship Barb shared with my parents for over five decades.
Laurel Imeson
Karen Dunlop
Our sincerest condolences to Andrea, Shawn, and the family.
The Maizex Team
Mary Peterson, Rob an Jason Essery
Earl, Elizabeth, Andrea and Jared,
Our sincere sympathy to you and your families. In spite of her illness, she always had a warm smile for everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Audrey Skinner
Our sincere condolences to the French and Hern families. May the many memories you have keep her forever in your hearts.
Sincerely
Steve & Audrey Skinner
Pat Kelly
My sincere condolences to the French Family
Ruth (Cudmore) Johnson
Sorry to hear about Barb’s passing. I have many good memories of competing against her at the Kirkton Fair with Glads. We always had a great discussion after judging about the flowers.
Cherish all your memories and may they give you peace and comfort .
Remie Grimminck
Earl and family our sincere condolences on your loss.
You are in our thoughts and sending prayers. RIP Barb🙏
Remie Grimminck & Colleen Durrant
Marianne Ferguson
Earl, Elizabeth, Andrea and Jared,
Whether it be Girl Guides or local Fairs, we thank you for sharing Barb with us. She fought a good fight head on and always with a smile.
May all your wonderful memories comfort you now and in the weeks and months to come.
Our sincere condolences
Ron & Marianne
Don & Janis Richardson
Earl and family ,
We were very saddened to hear about Barb’s passing. She was so strong and determined not to let Parkinson’s prevent her from enjoying her family and life. Our thoughts are with all of you.
David & Cathie Paul
We are very saddened to read of Barb’s passing….one of the most genuine and warm hearted women we had the pleasure to meet. She leaves a legacy of kindness, determination and humor that will be remembered with a smile. A life well lived.
Peggy Wilkinson
Earl & Family:
We are so sorry to read of Barb’s passing, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time…May you all hold your memories close today and always…
Joanne & Peggy Wilkinson ( Finkbeiner)
Tom and Phyllis Tomes
Our sincere condolences to you Earl and to your families.
Sylvester &Geraldine Grimminck
Earl and family. Our condolences for the loss of Barbara.
Dawn Cumming
Dear Elizabeth, I send condolences as you grieve the loss while also celebrating the life of your Mother..Mothers are such special people and I am sad that you have lost your mother so near to Christmas..From her Obituary it is obvious that your Barbara was a “salt of the earth “ lady..Please know that I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.. Blessings to all who love Barbara, Dawn Cumming
Judy Imeson
Ken & Judy Imeson and Family
Dec. 8,2024
Earl, Elizabeth, Andrea, Jared and families
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the passing of Barb. She will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her. May you and your family find peace and comfort in the memories you share and treasure.
Ken and Eleanor Rader
Earl, our sincere sympathy to you and your family at this sad time.
Ken and Eleanor Rader
Doris Richardson
Earl and family:
May the legacy of courage and love that Barb showed to all, help ease the pain and emptiness in your hurting hearts and comfort you on your loss journey. With caring thoughts.
Doris Richardson
The Benner's
Dear Earl and Family….Many fond memories of Barb from my childhood at S.P.C.S. to when we were fortunate to have Elizabeth and Andrea babysit for us when our own children were small. Keeping you in my heart as you journey on this difficult path of grief. In sympathy, Don and Heather
Earl ,Laura Thomson
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Earl and Family
John and Sandra Ulch (Dickey)
To the French and Hern Families
We are sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. Many memories of time at Zion SS#7 school with Barb. I enjoyed seeing all the photos. Thinking of you.
Marian Pfaff
To Earl and family,
Extending our sincere condolences.
Dennis and Marian Pfaff
Nancy Price
Dear Earl and family
It was so sad to hear about Barb.
I was able to say a quick hi to her at the Zion decoration service end of August. What a happy and positive woman she was given her struggle with Parkinson’s. I have fond memories of taking Dad to drive over to pick up eggs and she would always greet us with a big smile and friendly conversation.
Your love filled memories will keep her close to you … thinking of you all
Sincerely Nancy Price (Hern)..Lucan
Dave & Deb Chappel
Thinking of all Barb’s family and friends at this sad time. May all your special memories bring you comfort now and in the days ahead. Barb was a lady who touched many lives and was treasured by all who met her. Our deepest sympathy to each of you.
Sandra & Larry Hern
Dear Earl, Elizabeth, Andrea & Jared and all your families and the extended Hern and French family members…
We offer our sincere condolences on the loss of Barb. She has been an integral member of the Zion and Whalen communities her whole life. Her family was her priority and, as a team she and Earl built a wonderful legacy together. We were glad to have the opportunity to say hello to her recently at the North Star Restaurant. The pictures you provided were a testament of her love of each and every family member. She will be missed, but may happy memories help to ease your broken hearts. Rest in peace dear Barbara.
Susan Oke
Dear Earl and family – I was so sorry to hear about Barb. I remember the all the fun times Ken and I had when we all got together. May all your happy memories help you all through this sad time.
Susan Oke
Paul & Mickey Taziar
To the French family,
Our condolences to you in this time of loss. Can’t think of Barb (the egg lady) without smiling.
Jim Brown
Earl and family – I would like to express my condolences on the loss of Barb.
David and Brenda Swan
So sad to read of Barb’s passing. Her smile could brighten even the darkest of days. Our most sincere sympathy to Earl and to all of Earl and Barb’s family.
Dave and Brenda
Joan Francis
Earl , Elizabeth Andrea, Jared
My deepest sympathy to you and all the family
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time
Ross and Anne Holden
Earl and family,
Sorry to hear of the loss of Barb. Always have good thoughts and memories of both of you. Thinking of all of you during this time.
Bruce and Sara Mills
Earl, Elizabeth, Andrea, Jared and families,
Sending our sincere condolences on the loss of your wife, mother and grandmother. Bruce has many memories from Whalen Corners and I have memories of Barb from Brownies and Girl Guides. She was a lovely soul and you will all miss her. Cherish your memories and keep them close to your hearts. May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Kathleen and Bill Simpson
Earl and family, I was so very sad to hear of Barbara’s passing. Whenever we were with her she was smiling, upbeat and spread her happiness to everyone around her. A very special lady and “cousin in law”. Our prayers are with you and family.
Cliff and Elaine Webber
Earl and Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Barbara.
Colourful socks and comfortable clothing – sounds perfect. I have really enjoyed your pictures.
Cliff and Elaine (Johns) Webber
John & Mary Walls
Earl & Family;
Thinking of you at this difficult time. Barbara had a great personality. Lots of great memories for you to cherish.
Jeff Cosens
Our sincerest condolences to the entire family.
Jeff and Sally Cosens
Joan and Dave Goddard
To Earl, Elizabeth, Andrea, Jared and families
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad and difficult time.
Diane and Mike O'Shea
Sending our sincere sympathy to Earl and the entire French and Hern families. It is hard to believe that we had such a nice visit with Barb and Earl just a month ago and now to learn of Barb’s passing. To Elizabeth, Andrea and Jared, your Mom has clearly left a rich legacy.
Diane and Mike O’Shea
Tom & Mary Ann McLaughlin
Earl and family
We were sad to hear of Barb’s passing. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Cherish your memories as they will last you a lifetime.
Jim and Robin Ballantyne
Uncle Earl and all the family,
Treasure all the memories and stories of Aunt Barbara- she was a fun loving person who always had a smile on her face.
She will be missed by all.
Jim and Robin
Laura Hardeman Good
I am so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. The Kirkton Fair won’t be the same without her. Your mom was a truly lovely lady inside and out and she spread that live to those around her freely. We are all better for having her smile in our lives. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Jim & Linda Dietrich
Joe, Marlene and all the Family,
Our sincere sympathy so sorry.
Jim & Linda Dietrich.
Sieka Van Steeg
Sieka en ik Teus willen De Hern familie condeleren met het verlies van Barbara Het is altijd droevig als je alleen blijft nu met Earl
Wij houden je in onze gebeden
Margaret Prout
My condolences to Earl and all the Hern family. Treasure all your wonderful memories and stories now in the coming days.
Susan Jaques
Heaven has gained another angel. So sorry to hear of Barbs passing. She will be missed by all you knew her and loved her.
Betty McIntyre
Sorry to hear about Barbara. She certainly was a determined hard-working woman. Your many good memories will pop up later and bring laughter to you once again.
(I’m still Elizabeth to certain people )
Susan Moore
Condolences to all!
Gord Mills
My sincere condolences and sympathy to you Earl and your family. My thoughts are with you.
Bobby soares
Our condolences and prayers to the family.
Bobby soares
Our condolences and prayers to the family.
Dianne Gerstenkorn Weber
To all Barbara’s family. Her battle is over and she is at peace. I am sure you all have great memories both happy and sad to keep her in your hearts forever. My thoughts and prayers are with all the Hern and French families.
Don and Anita Gibson
Our heartfelt condolences in the loss of your dear Mother. It’s always difficult losing a parent but especially hard at this time of year. We are thinking of you.
Much love
Don and Anita
Lynne (Hern) Haughton
Uncle Earl, Elizabeth,Andrea and Jared and family.
My heart is aching.
I have many memories of Aunt Barbara over the years. Her wonderful homemade birthday cakes. Trick or treating at their house. Her flowers. Her smile. Her hugs and her love!
Leading 4-H clubs with Aunt Laura and Susan. Sunday mornings at church and Sunday school. Aunt Barbara radiated love and warmth.
May you find comfort in the love she had for each one of you.
Sending our hugs to all at this extremely sad time!
Love: Lynne, Aldane, Jordann, Abbi, Jason and Jericho Haughton.
Keri Parkinson
Uncle Earl, Elizabeth, Andrea, Jared and families.
I am so saddened to hear of Aunt Barbs passing. She was a true fighter right until the end. I remember collecting eggs with her when I would stay out at the farm for a few days in the summers between the school years, and how she assured me they wouldn’t break in the large basket all on top or one another. She was always so sure they’d be fine…and she was right. I know Grandpa Garry, and Aunt Laura were one of the many standing ay those pearly gates awaiting her arrival. Thinking of you all and sending love and prayers. She will be missed by many.
Shirley Clark
Shawn, Andrea, and family, and the rest of the French family,
My sincere sympathy to you at this Christmas time, as you experience the loss of such a wonderful, matriarch of your family. I met her at your wedding, and have followed her through your family experiences. These memories will never be forgotten. She has exemplified the strengths of our forebearers, And you have learned them well, and are passing them on to your children; and grandma did her share in those young lives. May you, your dad and family, find solace knowing that she is no longer forcing herself to do things she wanted to, but found so hard. Her presence will be with you this Christmas. May you give thanks for all she has given you, to become the outstanding people you are. And give your dad an extra hug.
With love,
Shirley Clark
Shirley OHara
My sincere condolences to Earl and family. Barb was a beautiful lady and will be missed by all who knew her 🙏🏼
Carol Verstraete
Andrew & family, so sorry to read about your mother’s passing. Losing a parent isn’t easy but know that the memories that you have created with her will last you a life time. Speak her name often and share those memories with anyone that will listen. Hugs to all of you.
Randy & Bev Parkinson
Our deepest sympathies to you Earl and your family. Aunt Barb is at peace now and can rest easy.
We will keep you all in our prayers.
Randy & Bev Parkinson
Cameron and Brooklyn hern
Uncle earl, and family, our deepest condolences on the passing of aunt Barbara, we are beyond grateful she was able to be part of our wedding in October, until we meet again. -Cameron and Brooklyn Hern,