Barbara Ann Lee (Barb)

Forever in our Hearts,

Barbara Ann Lee “Barb” passed away peacefully on September 30^th, 2022 at Glengarry Hospital.  Born on November 9, 1928 at the Toronto hospital, a short distance from their home in Stayner, Ontario, to loving parents, Louis and Pearl Swinton.

Barb was one of 9 girls and is survived by her sister, Margaret Priest of Stayner, Ontario.

Barb was predeceased by the love of her life and spouse of 54 years, Murray Gilbert “Sam” Lee and also by her son, Robert James Lee.  Survived by her sons, David Vaughan Lee and Murray Irwin Sean Lee (Belinda) and daughters, Elizabeth Anne “Bette” Cawsey (Rick) and Joanne Cruickshank. Survived by her grandchildren, Michelle Kinney (Clay), Matthew Cawsey (Bri), Sara Fox (Garret), Kyle Cruckshank (Sevi), Kate Moir (Chad), Kory Cruickshank, Christopher Lee (Carolyn) and Jamie Lee.  Survived by great-grandchildren Wyatt and Kathryn Kinney, Owen and Kaylee Cawsey, Charlotte and Ansen Fox, Julianne and Caroline Moir and Sam Cruickshank.

Barb often reminisced about the family homes in Stayner and in Caledon East, and the many trips to the Farm and vacations in Florida with her parents and sisters.  She had many stories to share about her horse, learning how to drive and chauffeuring her father around to cattle shows.  She attended interior design at a women’s college in Whitby Ontario and enjoyed her work in the larger department stores in Toronto.

Barb and Sam’s house was always full of children and even many university students enjoyed their time as boarders in the big house on College Street in Thunder Bay, Ontario.  In the late 60’s Barb and Sam moved from Thunder Bay to Victoria.  They continued to have an open door to boarders and Barb and Sam would spend many hours volunteering in the community.  At one point, they had a number of foster children live with the family.  Barb was a member of the local Foster Parent Association and enjoyed her time as the president of that association.  Barb was ahead of her time when she recognized the need and importance for first nation children to be fostered by first nation families to enable the children to retain their culture and heritage.

Barb enjoyed her time working alongside of Sam at the Canary restaurant and then Carmen’s Deli in Victoria.  When Sam decided it was time to retire, Barb started caring for young children (Wesley and Jill Smith and her grandson, Kyle).

In 2007, Barb moved into Highgate Lodge.  She built strong friendships with other residents of the assisted living community and enjoyed attending craft and knitting get-togethers, fire-side chats and happy hour on Fridays. Barb was able to reside at Highgate Lodge (now Trillium) until February of 2022 when she required more assistance and was moved to Glengarry while she waited for a room at the Heights at Mount View.  Unfortunately, she did not get to move to the Heights.

Barb always loved visits from her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She never played favourites and was always 100% supportive of her children and grandchildren’s choices and endeavors.  She would speak only kind words and see the bright side of all situations and her glass was more than half-full.

In Barb’s final weeks at Glengarry, she had extreme clarity on her final wishes and could express them with ease and grace.

No service at Barb’s request.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice in memory of Barb.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com