Barbara Jean Maharaj (nee Williams)

Barbara Jean Maharaj passed away peacefully on Easter Monday (April 18, 2022). Beloved mother of Jennifer and Marisa. Loving ‘“Nama” to Abdul Rahman and Hamza. Cherished sister of Kennedy and sister-in-law Seema. She will fondly be remembered by many family and friends in Canada and Trinidad.

Barbara’s journey began in Trinidad and ended in Toronto after 84 years of living her life on her own terms; she was a fiercely independent woman. Of all the roles Barbara had in her life - as a daughter, a sister and the eldest of five siblings she practically raised while still a young girl herself, a self-taught brilliant student, a young adventurer and traveler, a hard-working secretary and much more - it was her role as mother that she gave the best of herself to and she raised her two daughters on her own with unconditional love, support and encouragement - our biggest fan was our mom.

Barbara loved her friends and family and simply spending time with them. She loved to do her word search puzzles, a new book or a new page always greeted with an exclamation of delight, her ruler and pink pen at the ready. She always took pride in her work, whether that meant taking shorthand or finding a list of words hidden on a page. She was careful and meticulous. She loved flowers and plants, going to the mall to “knock about”, catering to her grandsons’ every wish, people-watching, reading, clothing, family dinners and get-togethers. She loved Christmas, often counting down the months until its arrival, and going for drives to look at the fall colours. She found strength and solace in her Catholic faith and often praised Jesus for His many blessings. She loved singing old songs like “Some Enchanted Evening” and “Too-La-Roo-La-Roo-La” and also “O, Canada” and oh, did she love her Canada; her adopted country couldn’t find a more proud patriot. She had a special way with words, she could recite verses from memory and had a figure of speech ready for every situation. She was witty and could be both sharp-tongued and silly. She loved to make up rhymes, have deep talks about life and was always smiling and laughing.

Barbara touched many lives throughout her time here and she will be missed, remembered and loved fondly, forever living on in our hearts.

Barbara loved colours so feel free to wear your brightest and best. If so desired, flowers can be sent directly to St. John’s.

As COVID is still a concern there will be no reception after the memorial. A celebration of Barbara’s life will be planned in the near future. Please wear a mask and thank you for practicing social distancing.