Barbara Young

Obituary

Young, Barbara, passed away at the Southampton Hospital on Saturday, November 18 at the age of 82. Beloved wife of the late Herb Young. Loving and proud mother to Kerri-Lynne Young and Paul (Kerry) Young, and also grandmother to Max and Nick. Survived by sister-in-law, Jesse Johnstone, and by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents, Clarke and Margaret Johnstone, daughter, Susan, and by her siblings Gwen (Phil) Stubley and Cecil Johnstone.

If one was to write Barb’s biography, it would be a novel worth reading, or, a symphony worth listening to.

There were great tragedies and triumphs, struggles and successes, love and losses. But most importantly, her life was about strong family ties, lifelong friendships and lots of laughs.

She was well known for exhuberantly telling tales of the grand, year long adventure, when she and her husband, Herb, took to the wind, and sailed from Port Elgin to the Bahamas and back. Just as hilarious were some of the situations that she found herself in during her many trips with Rosemary, family and other friends.

There was almost nothing in this world that she looked forward to more, than packing her suitcase and going on an adventure. Across an ocean or a weekend away with the Fishing Gals, it didn’t matter, as long as she was going someplace.

It is those colourful stories that we will all remember the most. Even as she laid in her hospital bed, she was still entertaining people with stories. Of course, by that time, dementia was making them a little more fanciful. All the same, they were very entertaining. She still raised her eyes and laughed with her audience. What a gift!

There have been so many important people in Barb’s life, both family and dear friends, it would be impossible to make a list without missing some. Please let us just say thank you, to each and every one of you. That love is what added the sparkle to her eyes.

Also, a big thanks to the wonderful doctors, nurses, PSWs and other staff at the Southampton Hospital who with great kindness, made her last days as comfortable as possible.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation or to the Summer Music Society.