BARBARA THORNBER (aka Barbara McGuigan) 1936-2024

Barbara Ann Thornber was a leader, mentor, advocate, mother, grandmother and friend. Barbara worked for a variety of not-for-profit charitable organizations throughout her working life, including the YMCA, YWCA, Multiple Sclerosis Assn., Ontario Assn. for Community Living and the Registered Nurses Assn. of Ontario. She contributed greatly to all of these organizations, developing new programs, building and operating housing for women, introducing successful fundraising projects and preparing briefs for related government agencies. She also volunteered as a board member for many organisations including Ontario Place, Canadian Association of Women Executives and Entrepreneurs, Speakers Club of Toronto, and the Scarborough Community Care Access Centre.

The first child of Herbert and Kay Thornber, Barbara married young to John Scott McGuigan (1933-2020, divorced) and became a mother of four children. Her children Lynn McGuigan, Morgan (Laurie) McGuigan and her spouse Ken Hiebert, John Philip McGuigan and his spouse Susan Martin mourn their loss. Her youngest child, Lisl McGuigan, predeceased Barbara in 2016. Her grandchildren, John and Susan’s children, James and Katie McGuigan, and Lisl’s children, Chancellor McGuigan and foster daughter Christina Labonte, all miss her dearly. Barbara is also mourned by her two brothers, Philip Thornber and Herbert (Bert) Thornber and his wife Donna.

Barbara’s sister Jackie Thornber passed away three days after Barbara. We will honour and say farewell to both Jackie and Barbara at this Celebration of Life.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Centres (375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M4T 2V8) on Saturday, February 17th, 2024 from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM.
**Use gate entrance on the East side off of Mount Pleasant Road**

A strong and powerful woman, intense, caring and helpful to all she met, Barbara retired at 65. Her work was focused around one of her own life values –the right for all to live in dignity and safety regardless of their financial means. She was one of the many quiet, often faceless leaders in our city and province, who take it upon themselves to advocate for and build affordable programs, housing and care for those who most need it. We will miss her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Toronto YWCA Housing and Shelters program. Please select the Donations Menu above if you wish to make a donation. On the YWCA site please add Barbara’s name where it asks who it is dedicated to and then use the drop down menu ( where needed most) to choose Housing and Shelters. Thank you to everyone who chooses to make a gift in Barbara's memory.