Obituary of Noreen Gail Barker
Noreen Gail Barker (nee Barrett)
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Noreen, who left us, surrounded by family, on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 83 years of age. Born in Fort Frances, ON in 1940, she married Robert (Bob) Barker in 1960 and lived most of her life in North Bay, spending her final decade in Kitchener. She started a career as nursing aide with the Grey Nuns in Fort Frances, but left that to raise a family, while continuing to take care of others as a volunteer for many years with the North Bay Hospital - in the gift shop and in the Ortho clinic. Her greatest accomplishments were her children and greatest pride her grandchildren.
Predeceased by her husband Bob, she leaves behind her children, Danny (Jennifer), Nadine (Rob), Andrew and Michael, and grandchildren James, Kady, Owen and Megan, two sisters Norma and Dode and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Others she considered family include Mary-Lyn, Sara, Kyra, Liam and Aura, and her best friend Lorna. Noreen's presence and positivity leaves a mark on the hearts of everyone she came in contact with, that cannot be erased or forgotten. Her smile welcomed people into her home and her warmth filled the room, making people feel instantly welcome. She was cherished by many.
We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to her dedicated PSWs from Bayshore and ParaMed, and to staff at Kitchener's Downtown Community Day Program which she attended for several years, and more recently the amazing staff at Sunnyside Alzheimer's Day Program, which she loved attending, right up to the day prior to her passing. They deserve a bow. In lieu of flowers, donations made in mom's memory to your local Alzheimer's Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, or Canadian Cancer Society, or any charity of your choice, would be greatly appreciated.
Mom wanted immediate cremation and no formal service. We'll arrange a Celebration of Life in North Bay at a later date. Hug someone you love. We're so grateful we could keep mom at home right to the end, as she wanted. We were lucky.