BARBARA JOAN MOORCROFT
1936-2022
It is with great sadness that her family announce the death of Barbara Joan (Brown) Moorcroft on February 12, 2022. Barbara was born on September 10, 1936, in Bonarlaw, Ontario. She is survived by her loving husband, soulmate and friend of 61 years, Robert (Bob) Moorcroft; and beloved children Ardyth (Mike Haberl) of New Westminster, B.C.; and Mark (Mary-Ann Cocchetto) of Port Hope. “Gran” will be dearly missed by her cherished grandchildren Ben and Kate Haberl, and Cole and Lauren Moorcroft. Barbara was the much loved and dedicated daughter of her parents John and Laura (Tysick) Brown of Belleville both who predeceased her. She is also predeceased by Bob’s parents and siblings. Barbara was first and foremost a family person. She was a dedicated daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, and seemed to take on a motherly role in all situations, always caring for others and ensuring that everyone was well fed. Barbara will be remembered by her family and many friends as an incredibly kind and thoughtful person. Barbara was also deeply committed to her enduring vocation as a teacher. Many students, including lifelong family friend Kam Tom, stayed in touch for decades and credited her important influence on their lives. Barbara graduated from Peterborough Teachers College in 1956 and commenced her teaching career with a grade two class at Queen Mary School in Belleville. It was at that school that Barbara met the young vice-principal, Bob Moorcroft and they were married in December 1960. After obtaining her primary specialist certificate Barbara taught kindergarten at Prince of Wales, Bayview and Prince Charles elementary schools in Belleville. In 1969 Barbara, Bob and their young family moved to Port Hope where Barbara would raise her family and live the remainder of her life. Barbara stayed home for many years and focussed on motherhood, but in the same period of time showed her dedication to education by completing her B.A. from Queen’s University in 1976. Barbara returned to her role as a teacher in 1979, and her interest in helping children with speech problems led to her qualification as a speech and language teacher. Always a lifelong learner, Barbara qualified as an English as a Second Language teacher and went on to work as an itinerant ESL resource teacher for the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Newcastle Roman Catholic School Board. After retirement in December 1995, Barbara continued her dedication to education by serving as the President of District 30, Retired Teachers of Ontario. She joined the local branch of Retired Women Teachers of Ontario where she served a term as President, District Director for a three-year term and Provincial Archivist for five years. Working as a volunteer throughout her adult life Barbara was a committed member of the Lung Association and the Canadian Cancer Society where she served as District President. Another lifelong passion of Barbara’s was the church and she was a faithful and dedicated member of Port Hope United Church for over 50 years. When Ardyth and Mark began attending Sunday School their mother started working in the Sunday School and soon afterwards became the Superintendent, a position which she held for 12 years. She was the first woman to serve a full term as Chair of the Official Church Board. She also served a term as Chair of the Membership Committee followed by the Worship Committee and at the time of her death was chairing the Christian Development Committee.
For those wishing to attend, visitation will be held at the Ross Funeral Chapel on Thursday February 17 from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Port Hope United Church on Friday February 18 at 1 p.m. with visitation one hour prior. Proof of vaccination will be required for entry. The service may be viewed remotely via webcast either live or later on demand at www.rossfuneralchapel.com
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Port Hope United Church or to The Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Barbara Joan Moorcroft Brown Saturday February 12th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Port-Hope, Province: Ontario