Obituary of Barbara Lareau

BARBARA LAREAU (nee Brown) September 16, 1928 - February 25, 2016 Barbara died peacefully with her family at her side at Providence Healthcare in Toronto in her 88th year. Lover of books, learning, painting and politics. Wonderful mother and proud grandmother. Barbara showed us all how to give richly even when you have little, and how to live life to its fullest even when times are tough. She grew up in the Beach neighbourhood of Toronto long before it became fashionable, and moved to Montreal in her early 20s. She met her future husband, Maurice Lareau, at a Grey Cup party and the two were married in 1956. With the birth of their second daughter Jacqueline, life changed dramatically. Jackie's autism became the focus of much of Barbara's energy, fight, caring and worry for the rest of her life. She was exceptionally thankful for the support and staff at Kerry's Place Autism Services. Through life's hurdles and victories, Barbara always found beauty and peace on summer holidays with her family in Ogunquit, Maine. Like many women of her generation, her best years came late in life, mostly after her role as caregiver came to an end with the death of Maurice in 2004. She was an active volunteer and valued member at the Stanley Knowles Housing Co-operative, which became both her home and extended family. She learned to paint. She hosted exchange students from around the world, and developed several lifelong friendships with them. She was given an award of distinction from Prime Mentors of Canada for her work with elementary school students. She took numerous lifelong learning courses at both Ryerson University and the University of Toronto, traveled to Europe, took the train across Canada, evaded a hurricane on a cruise to Bermuda and went to the Liberal Party convention in Montreal to see Justin Trudeau's debut as leader. In almost all cases, she did these things on her own, while in her 80s. Her quest for knowledge was unsurpassed, right up to the days before she died. She leaves her daughters Lise (husband Ted Hackborn) and Jacqueline, brother Richard, nieces Cindy, Joanne and Carolyn, nephew Paul, and grandchildren Daniel and Madeleine. She is predeceased by sister Anne (2015). Her family is grateful for the thoughtful and compassionate care provided by the staff at Providence Healthcare. As per her wishes, a cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES - NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. on Friday, March 18th. A Memorial Service will be held in the chapel on Saturday, March 19th at 3:00 p.m., with a reception to follow in the Rosedale Room. Interment at the Mount Royal Cemetery in Montreal at a later date. Donations to Kerry's Place Autism Services (www.kerrysplace.org) would be most gratefully welcome. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.