Obituary

Barbara (Barb) Jane Marshall passed peacefully at Hospice Wellington on June 14, 2024, at the age of 71. Barb was born at Guelph General Hospital on February 15, 1953, to the late Norman Richard and Betty Gladys (née Smith) Marshall. Barb was the oldest of four siblings, the late Michael (Debra) Marshall, Ron (Caroline) Marshall, and Daniel (the late Louise) Marshall. Loving wife of Joseph Frank Paller and best friend and mother of Claire Betty Magdalene Burks (née Paller) and J. Benjamin Burks, whom she cherished as her own son. By far, Barb’s greatest joy in her life was her three grandchildren: Jenevieve Betty Jane, Beatrice Clara Jean and John Joseph (J.J.) Brantley Burks. Barb was the most engaged Gramma and treasured every single second she spent with her grandbabies – memories we will hold onto forever. Gramma was adored by her grandbabies and they are going to miss her deeply. Barb’s extended family held a special place in her heart, and she was affectionately known as “Auntie Barb” by Christina (John) Marshall, Daniel (Riann) Marshall, Jeffrey (Judith) Marshall, Alison (Galen) Marshall, Ryan (Becky) Marshall, Valerie Marshall, Laura (Cam) Marshall, Zita (Jason) Kolano, and Krysta Spour. Aunt Barb was always there to lend an ear, offer comfort, or share a joyous moment (especially a good laugh). Barb also cherished her connections with numerous great nieces and nephews and many cousins, creating lasting bonds that spanned the distance between them. Barb was a loyal friend to so many, bringing joy and light to all occasions. She valued her friendships in different ways and taught us how to love deeply, connect with each other and really listen. The conversations and love that filled Barb’s room over the past few months are a true reflection of how many lives Barb touched over the years. Growing up in Eden Mills, and then returning to Eden Mills in 1991, community was everything to Barb. She cared deeply about her neighbours and the villagers and dedicated herself to creating a loving and caring environment in Eden Mills – she really was the heart of the community. Barb hosted the Eden Mills history days, Christmas tea rooms, end of school parties at the park, Halloween parties, Earth Day celebrations and so much more. Eden Mills was lucky to have Barb for so many years and we hope her legacy will carry on in the community for years to come. Barb had a fulfilling career dedicated to public health and she will be remembered for her contribution to food safety and the health of Canadians over the years. Barb started her career as a public health inspector, working all over the province. She was honoured to end her career with the Public Health Agency of Canada where she helped create an innovative enteric disease surveillance program, FoodNet Canada. Barb was proud and grateful to have worked in public health for 39 years with inspiring colleagues who became her friends. When not at work, Barb spent her holidays at Little Doe Lake, a place she loved immensely, surrounded by family. Barb’s family would like to express their gratitude to the caring and supportive staff at the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre and to Dr. Alejandra Marin, her dedicated GP who went above and beyond. A very special thank you to the angels at Hospice Wellington for making this part of Barb’s journey so beautiful – the conversations, laughs, tears, music, prayers, freshly baked cookies, delicious meals, tea/coffee, and gardens. But most importantly, for creating a warm and welcoming feeling when we walked through their doors – we are forever changed. And lastly, to Dr. Cassandra Graham, thank you for coming into our lives exactly when you were supposed to and for empowering Mom to finish her life in the exact same way she lived her entire life – with dignity, grace and love. Rest easy Barb/Mom, we can feel your presence everywhere. Thank you for teaching us to be kind, caring, compassionate, and to live every day to its fullest. We love you so much – always and forever. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to Hospice Wellington in honour of Barb: https://www.hospicewellington.org/donate. A celebration of life will be held in the near future.