Obituary for Barbara Anne Lawrence (Bott)
Passed away peacefully at ARCH Hospice, surrounded by her loving family on Saturday July 9, 2022, at the age of 79.
Predeceased by her beloved husband of 58 years, David. Amazing mother of Kelly (Hope), Tracey Brown (David), Mary Anne Gillespie (Scott) and Timothy (Brook). Grandmother of Gavin, Ryan, Dustin (Erika), Sarah (Ricky), Michael (Sandra), Michelle (Andrew), Jodie (Al) and Finn. Great grandmother of Lily, Ronin, Jaeger, Aila, Blake and Henri. Sister of George Bott (Joy). Aunt to many nieces and nephews in Canada and the US.
Barbara is predeceased by her parents Archie and Mae Bott, and in-laws David and Margaret Lawrence.
The Sault has lost one of its favourites - an amazing wife, mother, sister, grandma, great grandma, aunt, and most of all – FRIEND.
To know Barb was to love her. Someone needs to write a memoir about her, there are just too many stories to tell and memories to share to fit into a few paragraphs.
Barb had a natural talent for forming meaningful relationships with people, learning from them while creating lasting bonds. She was also a pro at the lost art of “being friendly and curious”. She always struck up conversation with people on airplanes, subways, sidewalks. If you were seated near her, you were talking with her.
A born leader, Barb was involved in many organizations. She was a passionate Girl Guide leader (and Algoma commissioner!) in the 70s and 80s. And when she became a member of the Catholic Church, her true calling was determined, as she became a faithful and energetic member of the St. Jerome's Parish family and the Catholic Women’s League, later becoming its President. Throughout all her years in the Sault, Barb’s heart was rooted in Manitou Park, the beloved neighborhood where she raised her four children and watched them grow. She built so many wonderful memories at her home of 55 years in Manitou Park.
As many of you know, helping people was part of Barb’s DNA. She was a caregiver to many friends, and she also worked for several years as a volunteer at the Davey Home, Heart & Stroke and Christmas cheer, to name a few.
The Lawrence family would like to thank the wonderful staff at ARCH Hospice, all the staff and caregivers at Collegiate Heights, Paramed nurse Holley and all her doctors and nurses at the Sault Area Hospital and the Group Health Centre. In Barb’s honour please wear colourful clothing to the funeral service to honour her vibrant personality.
Kelly, Tracey and Tim would also like to thank Mary Anne and Scott for caring for both Mom and Dad in the later stages of their lives, especially the past two years.
Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass on Friday, July 15, 2022, 12:00 p.m. at St. Jerome Catholic Church. A celebration of Barb’s life will follow the service. Please reach out to the family for details.
We ask that memorial donations be made in Barb’s memory to ARCH (payable by cheque or online) or the charity of your choice.
Predeceased by her beloved husband of 58 years, David. Amazing mother of Kelly (Hope), Tracey Brown (David), Mary Anne Gillespie (Scott) and Timothy (Brook). Grandmother of Gavin, Ryan, Dustin (Erika), Sarah (Ricky), Michael (Sandra), Michelle (Andrew), Jodie (Al) and Finn. Great grandmother of Lily, Ronin, Jaeger, Aila, Blake and Henri. Sister of George Bott (Joy). Aunt to many nieces and nephews in Canada and the US.
Barbara is predeceased by her parents Archie and Mae Bott, and in-laws David and Margaret Lawrence.
The Sault has lost one of its favourites - an amazing wife, mother, sister, grandma, great grandma, aunt, and most of all – FRIEND.
To know Barb was to love her. Someone needs to write a memoir about her, there are just too many stories to tell and memories to share to fit into a few paragraphs.
Barb had a natural talent for forming meaningful relationships with people, learning from them while creating lasting bonds. She was also a pro at the lost art of “being friendly and curious”. She always struck up conversation with people on airplanes, subways, sidewalks. If you were seated near her, you were talking with her.
A born leader, Barb was involved in many organizations. She was a passionate Girl Guide leader (and Algoma commissioner!) in the 70s and 80s. And when she became a member of the Catholic Church, her true calling was determined, as she became a faithful and energetic member of the St. Jerome's Parish family and the Catholic Women’s League, later becoming its President. Throughout all her years in the Sault, Barb’s heart was rooted in Manitou Park, the beloved neighborhood where she raised her four children and watched them grow. She built so many wonderful memories at her home of 55 years in Manitou Park.
As many of you know, helping people was part of Barb’s DNA. She was a caregiver to many friends, and she also worked for several years as a volunteer at the Davey Home, Heart & Stroke and Christmas cheer, to name a few.
The Lawrence family would like to thank the wonderful staff at ARCH Hospice, all the staff and caregivers at Collegiate Heights, Paramed nurse Holley and all her doctors and nurses at the Sault Area Hospital and the Group Health Centre. In Barb’s honour please wear colourful clothing to the funeral service to honour her vibrant personality.
Kelly, Tracey and Tim would also like to thank Mary Anne and Scott for caring for both Mom and Dad in the later stages of their lives, especially the past two years.
Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass on Friday, July 15, 2022, 12:00 p.m. at St. Jerome Catholic Church. A celebration of Barb’s life will follow the service. Please reach out to the family for details.
We ask that memorial donations be made in Barb’s memory to ARCH (payable by cheque or online) or the charity of your choice.