Cover photo for Barbara Anne Wilson's Obituary
Barbara Anne Wilson Profile Photo

Barbara Anne Wilson

January 4, 1953 — March 4, 2024

Brampton

Barbara Anne Wilson

Barbara Anne Wilson was born in Toronto on January 4, 1953 and died on Monday, March 4, 2024 at Brampton Civic hospital around 4AM. She had a compromised immune system and succumbed to a virus over the weekend. She was physically too weak to fight.

Barb was a kind, thoughtful person with a warm heart and a generous soul. She was a great listener, loved hard, and made you feel seen even if she didn't agree with what you said. Barb was hooked on the news channel, liked to read, listened to classical and jazz music, and take long walks in nature. She loved children - which she couldn't have - and was determined to help other children "in-care" survive the child-welfare system. Her main goals in life were to buy a house and raise a family.

Barbara completed a B.A. in business administration at York University. She worked mostly in the non-profit sector at organizations like the CNIB, Children's Aid Society, YWCA, and Central Neighbourhood House (CNH). As a manager she administered women's programs at the YWCA and was instrumental in handling maintenance contracts as well as a major renovation at CNH. Her career was cut short by her first heart attack in 1998.

Medically, Barbara survived two heart attacks, kidney failure, an episode of sepsis, sickle-cell anemia, and sugar diabetes. She used a walker to compensate for a lack of balance that was never diagnosed. She eventually lost sight in her left eye from a detached retina. Her right eye was saved by the eye clinic at St Michaels in Toronto. She chose not to hide or alter these injuries (as you can see in the picture) to show that being flawed can also be a sign of grace.

After six years of dialysis treatment, Barb received a kidney transplant at Toronto General in 2018. This left her susceptible to infection and required monthly treatment at the Apheresis clinic. A recent bone biopsy found that her marrow was no longer functioning. The family wishes to express their gratitude for all support she has received from so many skilled and caring medical workers over the years.

Barb is survived by her husband Scott Bootes, her daughter Caroline Henry, and son James Groves. She was taken into care at birth and had two foster families. She lived with Hatfields of Aurora until age 6 and lost contact with the family. The remainder of her childhood was spend with Donald and Dorris Carty of Scarborough. She stayed in contact with her siblings Gilbert Carty, Albert Carty, and Diane Carty to this day. Recently, she found her birth family - the Jacksons - and was deeply gratified to connect with Shelley Murrelle, and Bobby Wilson.

Online condolences may be offered at: sbootes@gmail.com A Celebration of life will be held at the Thorncrest Homes Clubhouse in Etobicoke on Wednesday, March 20th at 2PM. 

Instead of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Barb's favourite causes:
• Toronto General And Western Hospital Foundation
  (for Red Blood Disorder and Kidney Transplant Clinics)
• CNIB Foundation - Guide Dog program
• Sheffield Park Black History and Cultural Museum 
 Food Banks Canada 

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