Barbara Elizabeth Thom (nee Donovan)
May 13, 1947 – February 2, 2018
Departed this life peacefully, with family by her side. Beloved wife to Robert for 41 years, devoted mother to Scot (Toronto) and Adam (Dawson City). Predeceased by her parents Margaret and Gerald Donovan. Loving sister to Harmony Aitken (Gary), Gerald Donovan (Patti), Jane McCarter and Sheila Dulmage. In 1968 she graduated from the Peterborough Civic Hospital School of Nursing and dedicated many years to the care of others. In her retirement she continued giving to her community by volunteering with the Arthritis Society, Canadian Cancer Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Barb had a great affinity for reading, researching family genealogy, and watching birds that visited Barb’s diner daily. Barb derived her greatest joy from the love she shared with her family, close friends and the beauty of her garden.
The family will receive friends on Friday February 9, 2018 from 7-9pm at the Rod Abrams Funeral Home 1666 Tottenham Rd., Tottenham 905-936-3477. An Honouring of Barb’s life will be held on Saturday February 10, 2018 in the chapel at 11am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com
David Hoag says
Today, March 29th, I just sadly learned of Barb’s passing. I had the privilege of knowing Barb as a friend & worked with her for many years. My best wishes to her family & to Harmony & Gary
David Hoag
Elaine Coleman says
PCH classmate also. Barb had so many qualities we all admired. She may be gone but she will forever be remembered. Hoping you can remember fond memories whenever you are missing her and give a little chuckle because I’m sure you had a few together knowing Barb.
Art Bolton says
Dear Robert and Family
Please accept my sincere condolence in this difficult time for you and your family.
Mary (Scott) and Paul Whitehead says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss of Barbie. We have fun memories of Barb, and her family, being at Clyffe House. Our deepest sympathy.
Deborah & Roger Cooper says
We are so very sorry to hear of Barb’s passing and our heartfelt condolences go out to the Donovan and Thom families. She was a wonderful friend to us and will be missed. Barb, may you rest eternally in the gardens of heaven.
Nancy Aitken says
Please accept our sincere condolences on Barb’s passing. The Thom and Donovan families have been in my thoughts at this sad time. The news of the loss of such a wonderful friend was heartbreaking. Barb was such a kind and caring person. She always made time to pop in and visit my elderly Mother, often bringing a special gift for her garden.
I am so sorry that we will not be able to attend Barb’s visitation, or Celebration of Life. There are no words to express my sadness for your loss. I will miss Barb and treasure the memories we shared.
Judy Adamson says
My sincere condolence to Barb’s family.
We will miss you at our 50th reunion. I remember your sweet smile. You were soft spoken but feisty and so kind hearted. Rest in peace
Graham Girvan says
My thoughts with the family at this sad time. Much love.
Linda McKay ( Vance ) says
My deepest sympathy to Barb’s family and friends .Take comfort in your memories. I have many fond memories of our three shared years of life in residence especially the infamous water fights.The world has lost a gentle soul.
Lauryn Sinnott says
Barb was truly a very special friend to me. I will miss our weekly get togethers terribly. She was strong, feisty at times, could be very stubborn, had a great sense of humour but above all she was loyal, kind and caring. She was always willing to lend a hand and help be supportive in any way she could. I cannot find the words to express how deeply saddened I am for your loss Robert, Scot and Adam. May all our wonderful memories of Barb be a great comfort to all.
Linda gowanlock says
Rest in peace Donnie I will miss your smile@ woonderful sense of humour@ I will miss sharing time with you at our reunion
Barb Willis aka Dobe says
Donnie I am so going to miss our laughs at the Alumnae dinners I will always remember our fun timrs in residence especially our famous water fights.Rest in peace dear friend You will be so missed.My condolences to all the family
Nancy Jack says
Barb is my wonderful cousin who I shared many special moments with, both happy and sad. She was always up for anything and liked to skinny dip even more than I. You are in my heart Barb, forever. Thinking of all the family; wish we could be there with you.
Jill Stewart says
Barb will be missed at our upcoming 50th nurse’s reunion. Her smile and sense of humour made her a popular and loved classmate. She will be in our thoughts and hearts as we reminisce about the wonderful memories we all share. My condolences to the family.
Susan Shaw says
It wasn’t how many moments she had to live, it was how she lived the moments she had. She was a special classmate, loved by all for her droll humor and beautiful personality. To Robert and sons and Harmony and family such a loss we all agree upon. But what rich and lasting memories.
Alan & Wendy Masters & family says
We are so very sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. Such a fun and wonderful lady with always a smile and a hug. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Kirsten Filippi says
My thoughts are with you as we all remember Barb and those lives she touched. I have fond memories of a summer spent in the wilds of Ontario, with the warm and loving Thom family. Barb was a strong, honest and beautiful woman with a sharp wit, she was one of kind.
Sarmite, Biruta and Aldis says
Barbara will stay in our memories as a very kind, sensitive, caring and responsive woman with an excellent sense of homor.
It was our pleasure to spend short, but brilliant moments together.The deepest condolence to Robert and family from friends in Latvia.
John & Nancy Turner says
We were much saddened to hear about Barbara and send our best wishes to the Thom family.
Robert & Mary Dippel says
Our sincere condolences on Barbara’s passing. We are sorry to hear of your sad news.
Hugh and Deb Harbison says
The Harbinson family was deeply saddened by Barbie’s untimely passing.
Our hearts go out to you Robert,Scot and Adam.
Barbie’s warmth, fabulous sense of humour, and kindness will be impossible to be replaced.
Godspeed,
Deb,Hugh,Kely and Andy
Penney ( Smith) Stevens says
I first met Barb on the train going to Peterborough for our first interview for the School Of Nursing. She had a dry sense of humour and a quick wit. Hope the Thom and Donavan families have some really good memories to bring smiles to your faces. That’s what keeps us going. Since condolences.
Kirsten Scott says
Deepest sympathies to the Thom family. You are in my thoughts with the hope that being together helps you through this hard time.
Carolyn Whiting ( Evans) says
Donnie’s grad picture brings back fond memories of time spent together. She had a smile and wit that could light up a room. Rest in peace, dear old friend.
Elsie Newbigging says
We were shocked to hear of Barb’s passing. She was always so happy and a joy to be around. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Brian & Elsie
Sharon and Tony Pallotta says
Our first neighbors in Beeton grew into lifelong friends with the Thom family. Watching this family grow and learning from Barb and Robert as our family grew alongside we have many fond memories. It breaks my heart to think I will not share any more events with Barb. Deepest love to you boys and thank you for so many happy memories esp our last trip to see Adam in Dawson. Rest in peace Barb. God bless you and your family
Linda Wood (Murray) says
My sincere condolences to the Thom and Donovan families. We have all lost a very dear friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew her. I feel privileged to have known her through nurses training and the years after. Her fun and happiness was contagious. Rest in Peace Donnie
Louise Owen says
Was saddened to hear the news of Barb’s passing. She was a beautiful and kind soul. Sending you love and light in this time of grief.
Bonnie Berry (Begg) says
My condolences to Barb’s family and friends. We shared many laughs and adventures through training and looked forward each spring to catch up with each other at the PCH alumni dinner. The smile and humour of a dear friend will be missed.
Chris Corey (Slimmon) says
I am so sad to hear the s news. Barb was well loved by all our classmates. She will be so missed
Eleanor Girvan says
Barb was a born carer to others. She had a beautiful smile and had a positive, no nonsense attitude. I remember she wore very little make up and wore her hair short with a jaunty flip on one side. My deep sympathies go out to her husband and sons, who I know will always treasure her.
Margaret Pelow (Mulheron) says
My sincere condolences to Barb’s family. I have many fond memories of Donnie while we were in training. I remember her sparkling eyes and smile. Another one gone too soon.
Mary (Manion) Boake says
Fond memories of our day at PCH School of Nursing. My sincere sympathy to her family. To soon gone.
Barb Stringer says
Sending my sincere condolences on your loss. She was a favourite in our nursing class, especially her smile and lovely sense of humour.
Kathy Powers Brown says
Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss. I have fond memories of our years with “Donnie” in training at PCH.
Louise & Lyle Longhurst says
Robert, Scott & Adam: Our deepest sympathy. Barb was a good friend who touched the hearts of many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gail Loudfoot says
So sorry to hear of Barb’s passing.
We were nursing students from the class of 1968. She will be missed at our reunion this year. I remember her as a gentle caring person.
Condolences to all her family.
Betty Payton Lange says
So sorry for the loss.to all Barb’s family . I had the pleasure of knowing her in training and am saddened at her passing. She always lit up the room with her presence.
Cam Lindsey says
To the Thom Family… So sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. She was a good caring lady. Condolences to all the family.
Lynne & Mike Madaleno says
I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with the family. I will truly miss my friend and our conversations and lunches. Condolences.