Passed away peacefully at Huronview on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the age of 82. Beloved wife of Gerald Andrew Keyes for 62 years. Cherished mother of Debbie Maling (Paul), Lisa Violette, and Darren Keyes. Adored grandma of John Violette, Samantha Kovacs (Steve), Joshua Violette, Annmarie Violette, and Ethan Atkins. Loving great-grandmother of Julius, and Charlie Kovacs. Dearly missed by her sister Nancy Becker (Bill) and her sister-in-law Barbara Fahner. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Lloyd and Eva Fahner, her brother Wayne Fahner and by her son-in-law John Violette.
Barb was known for her compassionate nature and for taking care of people her entire life. Barb dedicated 37 years of her life to working as a PSW. Barb even travelled to Ecuador and Mexico for missionary work, which she took such great passion in doing that she brought 160 pairs of shoes down to Mexico with her.
A private family graveside service will be held. Interment Exeter Cemetery.
A celebration of Barbara Marie (Fahner) Keyes’ life will be held at Exeter Pentecostal Tabernacle, 70670 London Road, EXETER on Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 1 – 5 PM. Please join us for a time of refreshments, fellowship and sharing of memories. Our family would love to visit and have you share what Barb meant to you
Donations to Huronview, Exeter Pentecostal Tabernacle, or Diabetes Canada would be appreciated by the family.
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).
Ray Webb
You are all in our thoughts and prayers
Ray and Joan Webb
Mark Heimrich
Gerald & family, Nancy & Bill, and all Barb’s family & friends;
Our sincere condolences in your loss. Barb was a wonderful person in so many ways. She (& Gerald) have been valued customers for many years. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all at this time. Rest in peace Barb.
Mark & Julie Heimrich, Sarah, Scott & Spencer, & staff at Lifetime Water Products, Exeter
Larry and Faye Skinner
To all Barb’s family:
Our sincere condolences in the loss of Barb. I always enjoyed chatting with her at the Villa. She will be missed.
Enjoy the special memories of Barb when she was healthy.
Chris Littlechild
Our deepest condolences to Gerry and family. Hold your memories tight during this difficult time.
Nick, Chris Littlechild and family
Kendra Craig
Barb was such a bright light of fun and laughter at the Villa. She really went the extra mile for anyone who knew her. My sympathies to the entire family.
Lorna Wernham
Gerald & family, Nancy & Bill
Barb was a lovely lady & I enjoyed cleaning for her! Always a good laugh while i did my work! We had lots of fun going up town & getting a few groceries , a wee bite to eat & her doing her banking…I know i enjoy this time together. She was always a blessing to be around!!
May she find much needed rest in the Lord My sincere sympathy
Irene Zwart
My condolences to you and your family
Erika King
Gerald and family
What a lovely person Barb was, a very ‘giving’ heart as caregiver to the residents of Exeter Villa and a very thoughtful and organized worker as head of the Staff Association. Barb was kind and funny and a loving, giving human being. Barb was the first staff member I met at Exeter Villa and the first staff member I put my arms around to thank for being such a great advocate for our residents. It was my honour to know her.
Barb Storey
Gerald and family,
I was saddened to hear about Barb’s passing. I have many memories of Barb, from our days at the Villa. She always liked to tease me that she was the “good Barb”. We had many laughs through the years, all while looking after our residents. She will be missed by many. My thoughts are with you and your family, Gerald. RIP Barb
Mark Heimrich
Gerald & Family, Nancy & Bill, and all Barb’s family & friends;
Our sincere condolences in the loss of Barb. She was a lovely person indeed. She (& Gerald) have also been very valued and appreciated customers for many years. You all remain in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Rest in peace Barb.
Mark & Julie Heimrich & staff at Lifetime Water Products
Fred and Kim rowley
Dear Gerald & family kim and I are so sorry for your loss Barb is with the lord and the pain is gone
Al Harvey
My sincere condolences Gerald to you and your family.
Brenda Hern
Gerald and family – so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. I have many good memories of Barb from working with her at the Exeter Villa. She was a dedicated health care worker who went the extra mile for residents and staff. Sending my sincere condolences
Ken and Doreen Fraser
So sorry to hear of Barb’s passing, Heaven has received another angel. May God comfort you in this time of loss. Thinking of you in our prayers and thoughts.
Lu Keelan
Gerald and Family, sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. Alway got a chuckle from her when I use to deliver to her from the drugstore. Hold your memories close. Lu the Exeter Guardian Driver.
Nancy Miller
To Barb’s family I am so sorry to hear of her passing. I worked with her at the Villa. She was a bright light to us all. Rest in peace now Barb.
Nancy Miller
John & Sharon McNeilly
Gerry & family
Sending our sincere condolences on the passing of Barb. She was a wonderful care giver at the Villa and she was so passionate about her mission work. Truly a remarkable woman. You will have many great memories to carry you though these difficult days, some will make you cry and others will have you laughing out loud. May she rest in peace.
Winnie Vanderspek
To the Keyes Family
Sorry for you loss my thoughts are with you at this time i work with Barb and she was a nice lady
Cy & Eleanor Blommaert
Gerald and family.
So sorry to hear our dear Barb has passed .
Alway enjoyed our time with Barb ,when our Dad was at the Villa .
She took good care of him ..and we appreciated that .
Thinking of the family at this time .❤️
Tammy Orr
Mrs. Keyes was a big part of my childhood. She will be missed greatly by so many. I will always hold fond memories close to my heart.
Jerry and Alice MacLean
Gerald, we are so sorry for your loss! She is a woman who was appreciated by many, as she had such a kind and loving heart.
RIP Barb, you deserve this chapter !
Kathy Hayter
My condolences to all Barb’s family, Barb was a fun loving person who brought smiles to anyone she knew, RIP Barbara.
Amy Parsons
I also worked with Barb many years at the villa. She truly cared for others as if they were her own family. She made this world a better place for many with her kindness.
My sympathies.
Mary Ann Bender
Nancy and Bill. Sorry to hear of the passing of your sister Barb. Don & Mary Ann
Elaine Ford
Gerald and family so sorry to learn of Barbie’s passing. What a great treasure she was to work with. Everyone enjoyed her contageous laughter. God Bless All Of You. ❤️
Don and Brenda Triebner
Gerald and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. She was a Gem and always quick to bring a smile to the faces of the clients she served.
Janet Van Bakel
Gerald, Debbie, Lisa and Darren,
I had the pleasure of working with Barb the last few years of her career. She was loved and adored by all the residents and families at the Villa. Barb had a quality that made everyone smile and laugh and even dance ! Best medicine ever !
Barb talked often of all her family and adored each one of you ! She will be missed but never forgotten. RIP dear Barb !
Sending heartfelt condolences,
Janet
Edith (Carter)Lewis
Gerald and family, and Nancy.
Barb and I had many good times together at my parents place.
We would have Barb working like we did, lots of laughs, farming and milking cows by hand.
Our condolence to you all.
Chris Littlechild
Condolences from Nick and I.
Karen Insley Windsor and family
Our deepest sympathy on your loss of such a beautiful soul. She shared so much of her heart in her caring ways for so many people. She was a loving incredibly kind woman, who loved to laugh and shared her joy with all. May you all find comfort in your beautiful memories.
Angela Klaassen
So sorry to hear of Barb’s passing Gerald! She was a caring person and a lot of fun to work with!
Linda Traquair
Condolences to all who knew and loved the lady who refurbished and distributed quality dolls and ‘stuffies’ to Mexican children …with love.
Kate
To the family I am so sorry for your loss, she was an amazing person so generous and caring and funny. She will be missed dearly.
Peace be with you♡
Earl and Marilyn Miller
Gerald and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you in the passing of Barb. May you find comfort and strength in the Lord’s great love.
Elaine Vandeworp
To all Barb’s family and loved ones I want to give my condolences.
Carol Churchill
So sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. She was full of laughter at the Villa, and so good to Mom while she was a resident there. Condolences to your family.
Winston and Carol Churchill
George and Sue Wilson
Gerry and family, heartfelt condolences on Barb’s passing. She was a friendly, fun loving woman. She was kind to everyone. Cherish your precious memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Gerald and family
Sorry to learn of Barb’s passing. Have good memories of her renting my mom’s cottage at Ipperwash. May your memories of her bring you comfort in the future.
Our condolences to all
Becky (Meidinger) Meriam
Gerald and family,
Sending my deepest condolences on the passing of Barb.
I always loved working with Barb at the Villa. She was a special woman.
Thinking of you all.
Alma Dayman
Gerald & family
So sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. I had the pleasure of working alongside Barb & never was there a dull moment. Keeping you all in my thoughts & prayers.
Beth Prouty
Gerald and family, so sorry to hear of Barb,s passing but she is with her Saviour now an I can just see her praising Him . Just knowing she will be so alive now.
We will never forget her from the Villa. She was so good to our family members while they were there. And I will never forget her , on one Christmas as we dropped my Mom off. Her coming to meet her and something funny happened with my Mom and Barb was just inside the doors on her knees on the floor laughing her head off as she saw this with my Mom. Good memories and I know you have many.
Bob and Elaine England
Sorrytohear of Barb’s passing our thoughts and prayers for the family
Tony /Marlene Bedard.
to all of Barb*s family ..especially Gerald / Darren.. we are sorry fo your loss. our thoughts are with you.!