Obituary for Barbara Ann Heldman (nee Darlington)
We were spoiled to have her as long as we did. Our mom, Barbara Ann Heldman (née Darlington) passed away October 28, 2021. She may have shared the Queen’s birthday on May 24th but will forever be the only Queen in our hearts.
Born in Toronto 90 years ago the youngest of 7 children to Eva and Fred Darlington. The baby of the family protected and loved dearly by her older siblings, Jack, Edwin, Doug, Bill, Ruth (Phillips) and Miriam (Wynn). Her father moved her to the ‘summer vacation’ town of Bronte, Ontario in the mid 1940’s after the passing of her mother. Barbara attended Oakville Trafalgar High School where she met the love of her life Herbert Heldman. They raised 4 children, Robert, Douglas, David (Stacie)and Carolyn (Eldon) in Oakville. Barb worked as a telephone operator for Bell Canada before her marriage. She eventually worked for Ford Canada and retired as a switch board operator at Becton Dickinson in Mississauga.
Barb loved to try new crafts and was always eager to learn. Ceramics, quilting, knitting, even sewing outfits for picture day or Halloween costumes. Our home smelled like a bakery on Sunday afternoons after she baked bread for the week. She loved to swim laps in the pool before work and was happiest sitting by the water reading a book or watching the sail boats race out of Bronte harbour. She and Herb travelled the world during their retirement and packed in as much adventure as they could. From Egypt to Peru to Germany, Switzerland and Africa. Her love of life, travel and family bubbled out of her. She loved her kids unconditionally and doted over grandchildren (Derek, Connor, Emilie, Abby, Cameron, Sophie, Jason and Sarah). We will miss your laugh, your giggle and your ability to be a sweet but fierce mama bear protecting her cubs at any opportunity.
We never wanted to say goodbye but knowing you are at peace brings comfort to us all.
Thank you to the amazing, dedicated, compassionate staff at Creekway Long Term Care in Burlington. You were her caregivers, friends and family when we couldn’t be at her side. Our words cannot express the gratitude our family feels for all of you.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Barbara Ann Heldman nee Darlington May 24 1931 October 28 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Dundas, Province: Ontario