Obituary
Veronica (Vonnie) Barron passed away peacefully on January 20, 2022, in High River, Alberta, surrounded in love. Vonnie was born in Stellarton, Nova Scotia on November 10, 1922, one of the eldest of 17 children born to Mary Eva Lipton and David Constantine Lipton. Vonnie was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Patrick Thomas Barron, and is survived by her four children Pat Jr (Cynthia), Mary Claire (Mick), Vonnie Maria (Alfredo) and Margaret Ann, her four beloved grandchildren, and three siblings.
In her earlier years Vonnie was a great adventurer working as a nanny in upstate New York and Montreal, and eventually landing in Greenland in 1951 to work as the Chief Telephone Operator with the United States Air Force at the Narsarssuak Air Base. It is there that she met Pat, and their love affair of 54 years began. They left Greenland in 1954 for Newfoundland where they married on December 7, 1954, settling soon after in Nova Scotia to raise their four children.
Vonnie was an independent spirit, and for many years while Pat travelled with his work, Vonnie would pack up the car and the kids, and take off to visit family members or go camping around the maritime provinces. She was known to all her kids’ friends as a loving and welcoming Mom – opening her home and arms to all who showed up at her door. When speaking with someone, Vonnie’s gift was her undivided attention, making them feel that they were the only person in the room.
Vonnie and Pat ran two restaurants that became the centre of social gatherings – one in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia and one in Rutland, British Columbia. While Pat did the cooking, Vonnie orchestrated the front of house, and the four kids pitched in wherever they could, instilling in each of them a strong work ethic.
Vonnie’s strong Catholic faith sustained her throughout her life, and she was a lifelong member of the Catholic Women’s League. Her steadfast values were a reflection of this, and she demonstrated it daily with her love and acceptance of all people. She embraced the ceremony and hymns fully and enjoyed the social engagement following every mass.
Vonnie’s first love was her family – her second was music. From leading the Catholic mass hymns as a teenager in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, to entertaining the staff and residents of her care home in High River, Alberta with her singing and piano playing, music brought her great joy. She loved all genres, from Elvis to the Beach Boys, and from the Andrew Sisters to Amy Winehouse.
A very special heartfelt thanks goes out to the wonderful staff and volunteers of High River Hospital Long-Term Care Home, who showered Vonnie with endless love and care, and who made her last years so joyous. She loved her home there.
A small private service will be held in High River, Alberta on Saturday, January 29th and will be live streamed for all who would like to share in this special service with Vonnie’s family. The link to the service will be posted on the Snodgrass website prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Unit 200, High River Hospital, High River, Alberta.
Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Homes Ltd. (High River) 403-652-2222
To send flowers to the family of Veronica Patricia Barron please visit our
Tribute Store.
Read more
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Veronica Patricia Barron October 11 1922
January 20 2022..
Death notice for the town of: High-River, Province: Alberta
death notice Veronica Patricia Barron October 11 1922
January 20 2022
mortuary notice Veronica Patricia Barron October 11 1922
January 20 2022