Obituary of Barbara Van de Kamer

Passed away peacefully on April 3, 2012 at Forest Heights Long Term Care Centre, Kitchener. Cherished wife of 54 years to Paul. Loving mother of John (Lynda James) and Jennifer (Lise-Anne Fournier). Dear Grammie of Hilary and Eric. She will be sadly missed by her sister Hedy Ross (Jerry Bloom), in-laws Peter and Pam (Paris), John and Ann (Fergus), Ellen and Ray (Kingston), Jenny and Wayne (Guelph) and many nieces and nephews. Barb loved people and life. First and foremost was her family on whom she showered her unconditional love. As a charter member of Forest Hill United Church, she spent many happy hours leading Brownies for 14 years, served on the Church Board and Pastoral Care Committees, and was a lifetime member of the United Church Women. She also volunteered at the Out of the Cold program at Trinity United Church. Barb and her husband Paul supported and enjoyed the KW symphony for many years, going back to the times when the symphony played in the Lyric Theatre. She was an enthusiastic supporter of many Rotary projects, being a surrogate-mom to many exchange students, as well as hosting young professionals on study leave. She was interested in furthering literacy and health among the native peoples of Guatemala and was a Paul Harris Fellow. Wonderfully supportive family, friends and bridge buddies, made Barb's life much more fulfilling over the past four difficult years. Special appreciation goes to the compassionate staff: Care, Recreation and Spiritual at Forest Heights Long Term Care. She was forever thankful! Throughout life Barb thrived on entertaining family and friends, bridge games, travel, and was an absolute joy to be with. Cremation has taken place. Friends are invited to share their memories of Barb with her family during visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Friday, April 6 from 2-5 and 7- 9 p.m. A celebration of Barb's life will be held at Forest Hill United Church, 121 Westmount Rd. E., Kitchener on Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 2:00 pm with Rev. Katharine Edmonstone officiating. A reception at the church will follow. Donations in Barb's memory could be made to Rotary Club of Kitchener (Guatemala), The Kitchener Waterloo Symphony (chair sponsor), Forest Hill UCW, or Out of the Cold, Trinity United Church, and may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.