Barbara Louise Gage
March 26 1955 – July 8, 2021
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived; it is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead” – Nelson Mandela
We are sad to announce that Barb Gage has passed away, following a life filled with travel and adventure. Barb was an admired, long-time educator in the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and in schools around the world. Her joyful and vivacious personality inspired students and teachers wherever she went, making everyone feel special and important. Barb will be missed by many friends in the Ottawa and International School communities.
Barb loved so many and so much in life; her sisters Christine and Carol (and Denis) and brother Dave (and Elizabeth), her nieces April (and Jeremy), Katy (and Sam), Dani and Ella and nephew Liam (and Alessandra), her expected great-niece and great-nephew, and her many dear, dear friends.
Barb loved to laugh, to talk, to tell stories, to travel and to ask questions of everyone she met along the way. She was always planning her next trip, excited at the prospect of seeing and experiencing something new. Despite her upbeat outlook, she endured many serious health issues over the past years and was forever grateful for the unwavering support of her friends and the excellent care by all of the staff at the Ottawa Hospital and St. Elizabeth Health.
There will be a private cremation and family service. A memorial and a celebration of her life will take place in the Fall when we can gather together to laugh and to remember Barb. Details will follow. Donations to the Education Foundation of Ottawa would be appreciated.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Barb Gage Thursday July 8th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Ottawa, Province: Ontario
Barb was a great example and mentor. She was a great boss (at Camp) and an even better person. She had a knack for being straightforward and always had people’s best interests in mind. Rest In Peace, Barb. ❤️
Barb, you were a great mentor and set you the bar high. Your smile, laughter, warmth and your stories of were you went and what you done to challenge us, will forever keep the memories of you fresh. Rest in peace, Barb.
To all the family and friends I am sincerely sorry for your loss. Seeing this picture and Barb’s beautiful smile brings back many fond memories of fun times with her dating back to the early 60’s. Deepest condolences. Julie Wahab McNeely and Bill McNeely
This is the first I heard of this and am so sorry to learn of it online. Covid has taken so much from us, including saying a proper goodbye to strong and influential people, like Barb Gage. Her presence was ever present…and oh that laugh – straight from the heart and gut. I recall in my very early years of teaching, I had an abrasive (and in hindsight, abusive…) parent during a P-T interview. I came out of the interview in tears and Barb was right there. Not demeaning, belittling or positioning herself to ‘save the day’. Instead, in her calm and steady way she said “Kathy, you will look back on this evening and you will remember it and learn from it. She then tapped both her shoulders and said “broad shoulders will get you through this career”. No kidding. I have found myself doing that a few times a school year and summoning her energy and wisdom. I only wish I had taken up the offer to visit her school in Mali…but it wasn’t meant to be. Barb, I hope you are resting in peace. You were one of the good ones and were never afraid to make some good noise. RIP.