Obituary of Jean Louisa Barber (nee Craig)

April 16, 1934- August 29, 2024

Jean Louisa Barber (nee Craig) passed away peacefully and surrounded by the love of her family at the Ottawa Hospital, on August 29, 2024, age 90 years.

Beloved wife of the late James (Jim) Barber of 50 Years until his passing in 2008. Together Jim and Jean enjoyed extending hospitality in their home in Ottawa and at the shores of the Big Rideau Lake. There was always room for more at their table.

Loving Mother to John Barber (Diane) Metcalfe, ON, Kimberley Dumouchel (Raymond) Edmonton, AB, Lori Hughes (Joel) Vancouver, BC. Known as ‘GRAM’ or ‘Nanny’ to her cherished grandchildren, the late Jamie Barber and Ian Barber, Jennifer Hicks (Michael), Gregory Dumouchel (Brenna) , Robert Dumouchel (Melissa) , Caitlin and Sydney Hughes and further blessed as a great grandmother to Kaylie and Alyssa Hicks, Savannah Barber, Emery Dumouchel, Ivy Dumouchel-Graham and Nikkita Graham.

Jean was the youngest of six children of the late Georgina Myrtle Craig (nee Wilson) and William McClelland Craig. Jean is predeceased by her siblings Dorothy (Gordon Hand), Ethel, Edwin (Nora) , Leila, and Bert (Doreen). Jean held a strong faith that she would one day be reunited with all her loving family. Jean leaves an enduring legacy of love to her many nieces and nephews, dear friends and neighbours. Dear sister-in-law to Bob Barber (Linda) of Fonthill, ON.

Jean balanced family life and an administrative role in the Federal Department of Agriculture and Food Research, at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa for many years. Her retirement years were spent travelling to many wonderful destinations, gardening, baking her infamous chocolate chip cookies, and gathering with family and friends for food and conversation.

Family and friends are invited to join a Memorial Service at Highland Park Cemetery on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. (2037 McGee Side Road, Carp, Ontario) followed by an inurnment at Christ Church Huntley, 3008 Carp Road. Reception to follow at Highland Park Cemetery. 

For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed via this link: Memorial Service Livestream

The family wishes to thank Dr. Rebecca Gibson and staff at the Ottawa Hospital, General Campus for their care and compassion. Special thanks to the staff and residents at Windsor Park Retirement for providing a community of kindness towards our Mother in her later years.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly request donations to Christ Church Huntley, Building & Maintenance Fund, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society or the Ottawa Hospital Foundation.