It is with deep sadness and love that we announce the passing of Barbara Holland Park, nee Wickham, at the age of 85, in London on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 with her family at her side.
Barbara is survived by her devoted husband, John Bulmer, and her children Margaret (David Kerr) of London, Michael (Lynne Park) residing in Australia, and Catherine (Andrew Bishop) of Toronto. Barbara will also be dearly missed by her step-children Karen Bulmer (Roger Samson) of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Kevin Bulmer (Caroline O’Neil) of London, and Janna Wolki of Inuvik. She was loving Grandma to Kendall Park, James and Elizabeth Bishop, and to her step-grandchildren Eddie and Jaden Bulmer, West Wolki, and Luke Samson. Her extended family of nieces, nephews, and close friends, including Tracey Langille and family, will hold her closely in their hearts.
Barbara was the dear youngest daughter of the late Henry and Doris Wickham, and sister to the late Eva, Wilfred, Dorothy, Walter, and George Wickham. She was predeceased by her former husband of 37 years, Paul Benjamin Park.
Born and raised in London, Ontario, Barbara attended Tecumseh Public & South Secondary Schools. Upon graduation from London Teachers College she began her career at Governor Simcoe School. She subsequently spent years teaching hearing-impaired children, and in the early 1970s served as Principal of the London French School. While working and raising her three young children, Barbara obtained a BA in Psychology from UWO and a Masters in Education from the University of Toronto.
Later, as a professor, at the UWO and at Queen’s University Faculties of Education, she particularly enjoyed mentoring and guiding young university students as they prepared for their own teaching careers. Barbara gained recognition as an esteemed specialist in children’s literacy, teacher training, and curriculum development. She authored numerous books and articles in the field.
Beyond her career achievements, Barbara was deeply committed to community service, serving on various boards, including Fanshawe Pioneer Village and TD Friends of the Environment. She had a curious mind and was an avid reader, a lover of nature and animals, and of entertaining friends in her home. She would often “wow” dinner guests with ambitious menus, expertly executed. More recently, Barbara and John cherished their winters in Squamish BC, where they built enduring friendships within that retiree community, sharing in activities such as hikes, bridge, swimming, banter and laughter.
Barbara will be remembered best for her easy elegance, soft-spoken manner, and compassionate heart. She was comfortable advocating for herself and more importantly, for others. She had a soft spot for the vulnerable and a rare gift for spotting those needing help, or just a hug. She prioritized making people feel important, valued and loved. She had a witty sense of humour and a knack for lifting spirits with unexpected and sometimes shocking remarks.
To her children she was a loving and inspiring role model, who always had their backs. Her grandchildren remember the special attention she paid to their interests, her mischievous Grandma’s rules, — “no rules” — at her warm and welcoming home in London. They learned to appreciate her unconventional and unapologetic caring for wildlife which included feeding the squirrels, racoons and skunks outside of her back door.
Barbara’s dementia meant that parts of her slipped away in recent years. However, even in her last weeks many of her innate qualities prevailed, and she warmed the hearts of caregivers and other residents at Glendale Crossing. Making people laugh remained one of her enduring priorities.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Barbara’s caregivers at The Village at Glendale Crossing; the health professionals at HCCSS; St. Elizabeth’s Health and VON; and Drs. Margaret Taabazuing, Sandhya Misra and Kirk Hamilton.
Cremation has taken place. Contributions to the Canadian Alzheimer Society or Mission Services of London in Barbara’s memory would be greatly appreciated.