Obituary of Barbara Susanne Waring

Barbara Susanne Waring (nee Metcalfe)

May 18, 1934 - February 20, 2025

Barb passed away peacefully, with family at her side, at age 90 in Markham Stouffville Hospital on Thursday, February 20, 2025. She is predeceased by her beloved husband Norm of 56 years, and she is fondly missed by their children Jeff (Susan), Jody (Sandra), Tod (Joseph), and Chris; five grandchildren Meghan, Tyler (Kelsey), Daniel (Lori), Shawn (Jess) and Matthew; three great grandchildren Lincoln, Colter and Jordy; and by her brother Robert Metcalfe (Alfie).

Barb was born in Guelph, Ontario in 1934. She grew up in Kitchener, raised by her parents Edward and Olive Metcalfe, and a loving assortment of family members.

After high school, Barb moved to Toronto and attended Ryerson Institute of Technology, graduating with a degree in fashion. She spent two summers in Bala, Ontario as a chambermaid at Limberlost Lodge, where she also met her future husband Norm.

Norm and Barb married and settled in Scarborough to raise their growing family. After her four children were off to school, Barb returned to school herself in 1969, earning a Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto and later a Master of Education. She then taught 12 years at Highland Creek Public School in Scarborough.

They were as at home in their camper as they were in their houses in Cedar Valley, Stouffville and later, Kitchener and Thornbury. Barb and Norm spent their summers at Killbear Provincial Park and many winters at Florida's Grayton Beach State Park on the Gulf of Mexico. Watercolour painting, dress-making, cross-country skiing, cycling and rousing games of euchre and Scrabble were among Barb's favourite pastimes. 

A private celebration of Barb's life will be held at a later date.

In Barb's memory, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.