Whitney Pier/Toronto
It is with great sadness that we, the family of Barbara Frances MacKinnon, announce her death on January 7, 2020 in Toronto.
Born in Sydney Barbara was the daughter of the late John and Elsie (Bennett) MacKinnon.
Barbara lived her early life in the “North end” and attended Sacred Heart Church. She retired from the Ontario Racing Commission in 2016 and was admired by everyone she met for her generosity and kind, caring nature. Known for her deep love of her Catholic faith, Barbara spent many hours in prayer and had a deep devotion to the Holy Rosary. She was an unselfish and kind friend to anyone in need. Barbara found strength in her faith and her beloved friends throughout her adult life. Her friends, Colleen, Bette Anne, Cathy and Pam remember her as a “fashionista” and as a great friend with whom they shared walks, restaurants and many conversations. Colleen remembers the fall walks and lunches at Tim Hortons. Barbara was very well read and was very interested in world events. She often shared her views on world topics.
Barbara is survived by her sisters, Diane and Dolores, Sydney; niece, Elizabeth; six grandnieces and nephews. Barbara’s love for her twin sisters was unwavering. She spoke to Dolores almost every day and weekly to Diane. She always honored birthdays and holidays with flowers or gifts for them.
Besides her parents, Barbara was predeceased by her brother, Gregory and her sister-in-law, Margaret Ann and their infant son, John Cyril.
There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. Due to the current situation and restrictions in place, a celebration of Barbara’s life in the chapel at Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks, will take place in June of 2020 with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. A small private family gathering will follow at Pier Community Funeral Home.
Barbara was known for her generosity and so donations in her name may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the S.P.C.A. or a charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
“Your wings were ready, but our hearts were not”
Online Condolences
To: Delores
Sending our sympathies on the passing of Barbara. That is a very chic and lovely picture of her.
May she be happy in heaven.
From: Cathy and Alvin Croken
A beautiful soul, full of love and faith, ascended to heaven, away from us, but closer to God. When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. My most sincere condolences to you.and Diane.
From: Sharon Collier
Dolores and Diane, Very sorry to hear of Barbara’s passing. Love and prayers, Phonse and Linda.
From: Linda and Phonse LeJeune
Good Morning Dolores:
It was heart-warming to read Barbara’s well-written obituary. She
would be so pleased. I’m so glad that you brought it to my attention
that I could read it on line.I kept looking for it in the Cape Breton Post.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness, and I am honored that my name
was mentioned—also, a very chic and lovely picture of Barbara.
Barbara always had a positive outlook on life, and her strong Catholic faith sustained her.
My condolences to Barbara’s family.
I first met Barbara in 1968 in Vancouver, when I arrived from Guyana to study electronics and become a radio officer on board ships.
We often meet most Sunday with Cathy [above] at Holy Rosary Cathedral, where I served mass. I was told one day by an elder that I added colour to the mass procession, due to my tropical complexion.
Barbara was a wonderful friend and very dedicated to her faith, even at an early age.
When my ship was in Vancouver, both Barbara and Cathy visited on board and might have been embarrassed by all the whistling they received from the other sailors.
During the 1960s ‘hippy days’, many young people travelled to Vancouver from the Maritimes. I was fortunate to maintain contact with some, but others lives only in my memory of those wonderful days, of so much freedom to travel safely. .
RIP Barb, please extend love to Jesus.
Prince George, BC.
My condolences to Dolores and Diane on the death of your sister. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love Danielle, Scott, Justin and Adrianna Gauthier.
Dolores and Diane, Kate and I were very sad to learn of the loss of your sister. Although I never was able to meet her, I had always heard of her many times through my mother. I wish you and Diane all the best as we all mourn the loss of a wonderful person and your sister. Take care.
Mat and Kate Gauthier
Dolores and Diane, Very lovely words about Barbara. Thoughts and prayers from Don and Nathalie
Dear Diane and Dolores
Gilles and I share your sorrow at the loss of a wonderful woman. We will cherish our cards and notes from her that were always full of hope and caring. Her faith was strong and she inspired that in others. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of Barbara.
Love from Sharon and Gilles
Dolores and Diane — such a beautifully written obituary. So sorry for the loss of your sister. I will always remember those beautiful yellow roses she sent to Diane on her birthday and how happy Diane was to receive them. I know you both loved her beyond measure. Take care and hope to see you soon.
I’m so sorry for your loss, my. Mom and I were shocked and so saddened to read of Barbara’s passing in the Cape Breton Post today. Barbara was such a beautiful soul. Unwavering in her faith and such a lovely person. Barbara was so loved by my Mom and she will really miss their phone conversations. I will always cherish the beautiful cards and prayer books Barbara has sent me through the years…I kept them all. God bless you and Diane. Barbara, I know you’ll be watching over those you love.
Dear Diane and Delores;
We are so sorry to hear of Barbara’s passing. She was a very pretty lady and had a lot of Greg’s facial features. The last time I spoke to her was at Greg’s funeral. We hope Diane is doing well in North Sydney. We send our condolences to both of you.
Don and Ida
Delores and Diane,
It is with sadness to learn of your sister ‘s passing.Please accept our sincere condolences and May your sister RIP.
From reading her obituary ,she was definitely a wonderful lady.
God Bless you all.
Hugs,
Billy and Raylene
Cgy