Barbara Courssaris, beloved wife of Pierre Parulekar, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on July 30, 2024. She was a loving mother to Sophia and Matthew, a dedicated aunt and a wonderful sister-in-law. There are no words to describe how much her parents, Spiros and Effie Courssaris, her sister Helen and her family and friends will miss her.

Barbara was a devoted, attentive, caring and compassionate mother whose children were her number one priority. She encouraged her children to work hard, build upon their strengths and to follow their passions. She passed on to them her respect for knowledge and supported their academic pursuits. A quote she often used was “Knowledge is power”.


Barbara was deeply loved by her relatives and many friends. She was a quiet and private person but was unafraid to speak her mind and stand up for what she believed in. She was kind, courageous, loyal, dependable, respectful and empathetic. Barbara was highly intelligent, a skilled researcher, writer and scientist who was well respected by those in her field.


Barbara completed a Masters of Pharmacology at the University of Toronto in 2001. As a medical writer with Sanofi Pasteur, she documented clinical trials that proved the safety and efficacy of life-saving vaccines. In her own life, she used her skills and intelligence to identify and procure drugs that helped to prolong her life as she was battling cancer.


We will never forget her sweet laugh and how she touched our hearts in so many countless ways.


Barbara’s final viewing will be held this upcoming Monday August 5th, 2024 at the York Cemetery and Funeral Home from 2-6 p.m. Her funeral service will take place on Tuesday August 6th at 12:30 p.m. at The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary (Panagia) Greek Orthodox Cathedral with the burial to follow back at York Cemetery after church services.