In memory of
Maureen Elizabeth Barber
March 17, 1940 - April 13, 2026
Maureen ‘Momo’ Barber
(nee Andrews)
“Grief is the price we pay for loving.”
— Queen Elizabeth II
Maureen passed away peacefully holding the hand of her lifelong partner and beloved husband, John. She was comfortable, at rest, and in the presence of the person who had shared her life’s journey.
Maureen was born into a family defined by service. She was the daughter of a World War I veteran and a Sick Kids Hospital nurse—roles that shaped her deeply and foreshadowed a life devoted to caring for others. After losing her father at the age of 14, Maureen stepped forward, assuming a parental role within her family, an early reflection of the selflessness that would define her entire life.
The year 1962 marked a milestone in Maureen’s life, as she proudly graduated as a nurse and married the love of her life, John. Nursing was more than a profession for Maureen—it was a calling, perfectly aligned with her innate compassion, strength, and devotion to the greater good. That same commitment to caring for others extended well beyond her professional life. Maureen was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary for Multiple Sclerosis (LAMS) and, for more than two decades, played an active role in organizing and supporting countless events to raise funds and awareness for MS. Giving back was second nature to her, and she approached community service with the same energy, generosity, and sense of purpose that defined all aspects of her life. True to those same values, she remained deeply connected to her nursing classmates throughout her life, faithfully organizing monthly gatherings that kept friendships strong and ensured no one ever felt forgotten.
An avid tennis player, golfer, skier, and walker, Maureen’s true passion wasn’t the sport itself but the camaraderie—time spent laughing, connecting, and simply being with friends. Friendship was both her greatest joy and her greatest gift. Incredibly social and seemingly acquainted with everyone, Maureen had a natural gift for bringing people together. She was rarely without a phone, happily chatting, laughing, and sharing stories—often the latest news—with her many friends. Conversations with Maureen required quick and attentive listening skills; she was a fast talker, famous for effortlessly weaving between multiple topics at once. Maureen will be remembered as a kind, caring, and deeply thoughtful woman who instinctively put the needs of others before her own. Without hesitation and without expectation, she was always there to help.
Predeceased by her parents, Jack and Elizabeth Andrews, and brother John. Maureen is survived by her husband John, her two children, Don and Lesley (Paul), her adored grandsons, Alex, Kevin and Connor, and sister, Evelyn Andrews (Gord).
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the countless friends who stood by Maureen through thick and thin. Special thanks are offered to the extraordinary AMICA Bayview Gardens team, and especially to Eugenia and Libby, for their dedication, compassion, and unwavering care in keeping Maureen safe and comfortable.
A Celebration of Life is planned for May 31st, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Bayview Golf and Country Club. For those wishing to honour Maureen’s memory, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada would be deeply appreciated and would reflect the spirit of care and compassion that defined her life.