Barbara Paris

We are very saddened to announce the passing of Barbara Paris of Nanaimo, BC on November 11, 2021, at the age of 89 years. Barb was raised in Toronto, Ontario and met the love of her life Gerald Paris at the Prudential Insurance Company where they both worked. She married Gerry in 1954 and they made their first home together in Agincourt, where they had their two daughters Joanne and Kathy.

In 1963, Barb and Gerry fulfilled their dream and bought a 100-acre farm north of Newmarket. Life on the farm was very special for Barb. She loved the outdoors, and her days were full as she tended to her large vegetable garden and cared for cattle, horses, chickens, ducks, cats and dogs. She also volunteered her time as President of the Anglican Church Women’s Auxiliary in Sharon, Ontario. During the farm years, Barb and Gerry formed many unforgettable memories and adventures. They became close friends with Sally and Henry Brent and shared countless meals, squash and tennis games, afternoons by the pool, and together they travelled to Europe, Ireland, Hawaii, and Japan.

After 24 years on the farm, Barb and Gerry retired to an acreage in Wycliffe, British Columbia in 1987 to be closer to their daughter Joanne and her family. Barb always loved adventure and was keen to take on new challenges. When Gerry decided to take up flying, Barb courageously joined him in taking flying lessons so that she could land the plane if needed. She was Gerry’s trusted navigator and a very competent co-pilot for their many journeys together. Always willing to try new things, Barb travelled with Gerry to Lesotho, a small mountainous country near South Africa. She taught computer skills to an office group who had never used computers and was dearly loved by the people she worked with. During the Wycliffe years, Barb rekindled her love of painting and made good use of the outdoor studio on their property. She also took up skiing, hiking and camping with her family, and loved to bring everyone together for memorable, festive dinners on birthdays, Christmas, and Thanksgiving.

In 2004, Barb and Gerry moved to Nanaimo and took up kayaking, lawn bowling, and enjoyed their lovely home and ocean view. Barb loved spending sunny days watching birds at the feeder and gazing out at the activities on the ocean. She and Gerry were blessed to be surrounded by wonderful neighbours and friends. Their daughter Kathy lived close by and they shared many special times together over the years. Barb truly loved her family and seemed most at peace when we were all together. Life will not be the same without her. We will fondly remember her warm smile, and feel gratitude for the wonderful, happy times we spent together during our lives.

Barbara is survived by Gerald, her loving husband of 67 years; her brother Douglas (Doris); two children Joanne (Brian) and Kathy; grandchildren Douglas (Helen), Stephen, and Melanie (Patrick); and great-grandsons Blake and Owen. She was predeceased by her parents Kenneth Sr. and Irene Manning Smith, her brother Kenneth Jr., and her sister Jean Bakkenes.

We are especially grateful to Dr. Jenny Tram for the warm and compassionate care she provided to Mom over the years. Also, special thanks to Dr. Javaheri and the wonderful Astoria team at Origin. You always made Mom feel so welcome and well cared for. She felt secure and comforted in her last days, and we appreciate all your support during this difficult time.

Barbara’s family would like to invite friends and neighbours to attend her memorial service, to be held on Saturday December 11 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Nanaimo. (Church policy states double vaccination status is required for attendees over the age of 12). In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated, in memory of Barbara.