Obituary of Barbara Joan Fraser
BARBARA JOAN FRASER
(née Sampson)
April 12, 1929 – Toronto, Ontario
February 4, 2021 – St. Catharines, Ontario
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Barbara Joan Fraser, peacefully in her bed at home in St. Catharines on Thursday, February 4, 2021 in her 92nd year.
She was a devoted wife and mother of three, attentive grandmother of two; a caring, considerate daughter, sister, aunt and friend.
Predeceased by her father, Sydney Francis Drake Sampson, her mother, Janet Forge (Sherwood) Sampson, and her husband Donald M. Fraser M.D., C.C.F.P., she is survived by her brother John F.D. Sampson, sister-in-law Kerstin of Toronto, ON and their extended family.
Devoted mother of Ian M. Fraser (Janine M. Schweitzer) of Kingston, ON, Janet L. Fraser of St. Catharines, ON and Derek D. Fraser of Calgary, AB. Fondly remembered by daughter-in-law Andrea (Svenningson) Fraser and forever loved by her granddaughters Emma C. Fraser and Madeleine J. Fraser, both of Calgary, AB and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends across Canada, the United States and throughout Great Britain.
Barbara was a proud alumna of both Allenby Junior Public School and St. Clement’s School in Toronto. Memories and friendships nurtured there were often recalled fondly, and important life lessons learned were shared regularly with all who would listen to understand and appreciate her wisdom. A life member of The May Court Club of St. Catharines, and the Ridley College Family Guild, Barbara also served as an active volunteer and board member for organizations across the Niagara region, including Grey Gables School.
Sincere appreciation is extended to Lisa, Debbie (Dobrowolski), Julie and their mother Moe Raham for the extraordinarily loving support provided to Barbara at home over the past 22 years. Thanks also to Susan Rigby for helping Barbara maintain her gracious home. Without their caring attention as she struggled courageously to manage the macular degeneration that stole her eyesight and independence, it would not have been possible for Barbara to live her dignified life and achieve her long-standing goal of remaining comfortably in the family home until life’s end.
Strong, compassionate, unconditionally loving, thoughtful and kindhearted, our family’s elegant matriarch and guiding light will be dearly missed. Because she recently told her family: “I’ve lived my dream... and I have no regrets”, we know she is now at peace.
As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made online www. canadahelps.org to the Niagara Community Foundation in Barbara’s memory, designated to the Donald & Barbara Fraser Family Fund, or to another charity of your choosing.
Cremation has taken place with arrangements entrusted to George Darte Funeral Chapel, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines (905) 937-4444, with the family’s gratitude. Due to the current COVID-19 situation, a service in her memory and a celebration of her life will be held at a future date and time, when it is considered safe to do so. In the meantime, we close for now with her favourite send-off: Toodeloo
