Barbara Joan Lewis
1933 - 2024
At the Village of University Gates where Barbara was a resident for almost 3 years and with her close, loving family beside her, Barbara Joan Lewis (nee Croth) passed away on Tuesday December 17th, 2024, in her 92nd year.
So now, after many years bearing the weight of Parkinson’s Disease, that weight has been lifted and Barbara can enjoy a well deserved rest!
Barbara leaves behind her husband of 71 years, Lawrence (aka Larry); her daughters Leisa (Shawn); Lorie (Michael); and her son Jeff; her grandchildren Justin (Christy); Chris (Jessie); Ashleigh (Jamie); Tyler (Kelsey); Whitney and Madison (Stef). Great grandchildren, Jack, Summer, Brea, Ivie, Aubrie, Blake and Simone; her sister Donna Glass as well.
She was predeceased by her youngest son John, her parents Charles and Gladys Croth, and her brother Robert (Bob).
As young woman, there is a little known fact that she loved to figure skate and was darn good at it too. Shortly before the time of her marriage, Barbara was employed as a Switchboard Operator working for the Canada Revenue Agency in downtown Kitchener. The Agencies policy at that time required that single females employed in a “non-essential” position were required to resign upon marriage. Just 4 or 5 months later and before she looked for other employment, Barbara became pregnant, and we decided that she should remain as a stay-at-home Mom, and she basically did not go out to work again. However, she did apply successfully to become a Foster Mother for many, many babies. Most babies came to her straight from the hospital and remained in her care for several months or until the Society deemed them happy and healthy enough to be adopted, or in some cases returned to their birth mother. Barbara did this with such passion for many, many years. She certainly did work at home, happily.
Barbara met Larry on a blind date in the fall of 1952, and he took her to the one and only Roslyn Grove for dancing. His recollection of that night is of an extremely good looking young lady, a fantastic figure, a great dresser and a wonderful dancer! They danced the whole evening away. A year later they were married. WOW! Memories are sure great!
Before Larry retired, they decided they would love to live in Florida for the winters. They purchased a mobile home in BRADENTON, FL and vacationed there annually until retirement after which they spent 27 years of winters there from November 1st to late April each year.
They absolutely loved this part of their lives together and with the monthly ballroom dancing to a live small band in our own large village Recreation Hall. We took our own drinks with us, legally, and the Hall was always full of seniors having rejuvenated fun! Great beaches were close by and with two-for-one drinks during “happy hour” at most restaurants. It was truly a happy 27 years for Barbara and Larry. They were always so glad they made the decision to pursue it. Great memories again!
At Barbara's request cremation is to take place and a private family gathering will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinson’s as expressions of sympathy.
Messages and condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237. Please visit Barbara’s obituary notice on Facebook.