Barbara Thelma Bernstein

We are saddened to hear about Barbara, someone of whom we have only the fondest memories. Unfortunately we are out of the country and will not be able to attend her funeral but we will be thinking of her and you

BARBARA, I AM GOING TO MISS YOU VERY MUCH. SO MANY HAPPY MEMORIES. I AM TRULY GOING TO MISS YOU. PLEASE FIND PEACE. LOVE, YOUR ADOPTED SISTER, SANDY

Dear Alan and Lee and family, we are so sorry to hear of Barbara's passing. We have such fond memories of your mom, dad and all of us at Aunty Sandy's during holiday times. May you find comfort in knowing that we remember your mom and her great sense of humor and laughter. Our thoughts are with you all -- Freda Bokser, Paula Bokser, Sheldon Bokser and family and Alan Bokser and family.

Lee, Alan, Michael and Etty, deepest condolences on your loss. She was a lovely woman. So sorry I can't be there.

Dear Alan, Lee, Etty and Michael, Growing up next to you for those many years, your Mom/sister and your family shared many chapters together in our life's story. I am so sorry to hear about Barbara's passing - she was a special lady. My thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Irv and Kelli Burke

To Alan and Lee so sorry to hear of your mothers' passing . We remember her well as the wife of my cousin Arnold. Her sense of humour was very unique. May she rest in peace.

We are all different however few people are truly unique. Barbara was simply one of the greatest examples of the phrase “God really did break the mold after them” Her favourite line was “you know me I tell it like it is” and there was no greater example of someone who practiced what they preached every day and was proud of it. She was physically and mentally one of the toughest people created. It was once said that she had started talking when she was 1 year old and did not stop. In certain years her home was a social hub of activity with neighbours and friends of the family and if you were polite you would be trapped coming or going for 30 Minutes at the front stairs until you managed to cut her off and escape. In the last few years she resided at a nursing home and in order to keep her quiet it was simply easier to put her in charge. She was made recording secretary and her duties included planning social activities, meal planning and pretty much anything else that she deemed important. She had many friends at the home including people who did not speak her language. It was not uncommon for the staff to drop in to say hello on their way in or out even if they were not working on her floor. Various staff members continued to call her after leaving the home to work at other places In her younger years she loved to travel with her Husband Arnold and they travelled extensively for many years. Although their life together was cut short by his untimely passing she was truly grateful for her time with him. Looking back she had a full life with family and other great friendships At different times thru–ought her life she had different hobbies. Needlepoint, ceramics, painting, colouring and “The” Bingo (as she referred to it). About six months ago the nursing home put slot machines in for the residents which she referred to being busy at the office when asked why she did not answer her phone. Her love of gardening was present for most of her adult life. It started at her house in which no one else could cut the grass ‘because they did not do it right” or her planting of all the flowers right up to her own portion of private garden at the nursing home including all her plants in the common room complete with a sign in her handwriting with instructions that the plants were only to be watered by her with the exception of her Sister who was her Gardening accomplice. Her recent favorite family memories were of diners at the nursing home, family member visits, chocolates from her brother and personalized labels from her brother-in-law. Her excitement was palpable as she looked forward to her monthly meetings with the ladies (you 3 know who you are). She was a “Very Special Aunt” to many nieces and nephews who all have their own unique memories and stories. She had unusual lifelong special friendships with both her sister in-laws who she loved as sisters and her special bond with her sister was a one of the great relationships in her life. Although displays of affection were not her strong point she loved all her family and would have done anything for them and they were all aware that she loved them. Let’s face it she would have let you know if she did not. We were so very blessed to have had her back in our lives for the last few years as what can only be described as a great comeback story. She will be missed more than words can ever express. Her memory will live forever in our hearts and to those would knew her well thinking of her will always put a smile on their faces when they remember one of her famous comments.

Dear Allan and Lee Dear Allan and Lee I was so sorry to hear about your moms passing. We spent many years as next door neighbours. You kids grew up together, always in and out of each others homes. I will fondly remember the hours your mom and spent gardening and just hanging out together. Although we had not seen each other in quite a while, I will always cherish the memories of the time we spent together. My thoughts are with you. Elaine Burke i

I wish I got to say goodbye properly but I guess we will meet again. I’m grateful I got to know Barbara even though it was for a short period of time. As a young adult working with seniors I have learned a lot throughout the years and one important thing I learned from Barbara was to always stick up for yourself and speak up for yourself. I wanted to get back in touch with her and found out she has passed. I think of her from time to time and I’m thankful for her sharing her wisdom and knowledge with me.