Barbara Patricia Clark

Barbara Patricia Clark (née Burgess) February 23, 1938 – April 10, 2025

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Barbara Patricia Clark on April 10, 2025, at the age of 87. Barbara was reunited with her beloved husband, Fred Clark, who passed in 2020.

Born in Kitchener, Ontario, Barbara later moved to Hamilton, where she eventually met and married Fred. Together, they built a beautiful life in Niagara, raising their family with love and dedication. Barb and Fred were long-time Scouting volunteers, and Barb was especially passionate about helping children—spending many years working in local schools, supporting students who needed a little extra care and encouragement.

In the early 1990s, they moved to Port Dover, where they built a home near the water and enjoyed the peace of life by the lake. Many winters were spent in their condo in Fort Myers, Florida, a place Barb came to love deeply. After more than 25 years in Port Dover, Barb and Fred moved to Barrie in 2017, where Barb spent her final years surrounded by a caring community of friends at Victoria Village Apartments.

Throughout her life, Barb and Fred made many cherished friendships in Niagara, Port Dover, and Florida. Barb loved spending time talking and laughing with friends—she had a great sense of humor and a knack for getting caught up in zany capers. Whether it was a spontaneous road trip, a shopping adventure, or just sharing a good laugh over coffee, she loved time with friends.

Barbara was a devoted mother to Heather Walker (Gerry) and Fred Clark (Kym), and a proud grandmother to Emma Walker, Tyler Clark, and Josh Clark (Jade). She is predeceased by her parents, Jessie and Dennis Burgess and survived by her brother William Burgess. She is also remembered for the love she had for her favourite cat, Ed, who passed many years ago but always held a special place in her heart.

Barb loved to shop—some of her phases were Vera Bradley bags, SweetLegs tights, and any cozy sweatshirt, handbag, or piece of jewelry that had cats on it. She often gifted things that she knew people loved and it made her so happy to see their reaction. She cherished her home in Port Dover, her time in Florida, and most of all, her grandchildren.

She was a wonderful mom, a devoted grandma, and a loyal friend. Her kindness, laughter, and love will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

A very special thank-you goes to her PSW, Enza, whose care and compassion in Barb’s final months meant the world to her and her family. Her family would also like to thank the In Patient Rotary community at RVH in Barrie who supported and cared for Barb in the final few months.

In accordance with Barb’s wishes, she was cremated. A private family service will be held this summer to scatter her ashes alongside Fred’s in Port Dover, where they can be together once again, near the water they both loved so much.

Those who wish to honour Barbara with a donation in her name can do so at Humane Society - Simcoe District or The Nature Conservancy of Canada. Barb loved animals and most especially cats. She also loved any time she got to spend in the sunshine and nature.