CORBET, Barbara Jean (Smith) –

Feb 4 1933- Sept 20 2023

After a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease, Barbara slipped away quickly in the company of her dedicated caregivers at McCormick Home. She was predeceased by her beloved sister Kathryn, her brother-in-law John and her devoted husband, Gene. She will be deeply missed by those whom she cherished and has left behind – her sister Ruth, brother-in-law Paul, her children Heather (John), Ann and Geoffrey, her grandchildren Erik, Jenny and Blythe. She will be fondly remembered by nieces Pam, Wendy, Jen and Jill, extended family and many dear friends.

Barb lived most of her childhood and adult years in London’s “Old North” and spent summers at the family cottage in Port Stanley. She graduated in Honours French and Spanish at Western University, where she met Gene, with whom she enjoyed 59 years of marriage. She taught at South Collegiate for five years and was a dedicated lifelong member of First-St. Andrew’s United Church. Barb was a voracious reader, a tremendously loyal friend, an avid bridge player, a committed volunteer, a leisurely swimmer, an enthusiastic walker, and an extraordinary sister, wife and mother. She was not fond of change, but could laugh at herself. In recent years, she often advised those around her to “Pull up your socks and press on regardless. You are of Scottish descent!” The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Maple Grove, McCormick Home for their extremely competent and compassionate care.

Private interment at Mt Pleasant Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James St. at Richmond, on Friday Oct 13 from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.  A celebration of her life will be held at First-St. Andrew’s United Church, 350 Queens Ave. at Waterloo St., on Saturday Oct 14 at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make a donation to First-St. Andrew’s United Church (General Fund) or the McCormick Care Foundation.