Barb was born on September 14th, 1934 and passed peacefully in her 92nd year on August 26th, 2026 at Lake Ridge Health Oshawa.
Predeceased by her parents Alan Spencer and Bernice Rundle, and stepfather John Magee. Beloved wife of Keith Connell until he passed in 1993, and dear partner to Lionel Tennant until he passed in 2021.
Dear mother to Alan (Anthony), Tom (Heather), and Karen. Loving grandmother to Hailey (Kyle); Alannah (Shane); Zuri, Sydney, Matthew (Natalie). Great-grandmother to Tommy and Elizabeth.
Aside from raising three children, she guided more than a hundred local teens in her role as matriarch of the Cream of Barley Park/Bowmanville Zoo/snack bar, restaurant/tourist cabins. The house was always full, whether it was employees, relatives, or an unaccountable array of fostered animals, which she cared for, including (Oh my!) lions, tigers, bears, chimpanzees, raccoons, etc. Life was a zoo!
When her duties relaxed, she became an avid tennis player, joining the BTC and going to see tournaments including Wimbledon.
She travelled extensively with Keith and then later with Lionel. Always making new friends. She even spent a month in Panama with Alan and Karen and friends this past winter.
Barbara has left behind a large following of friends, young and old, lots who call her “MOM”.
“WE MISS YOU, MOM”
As per Barb’s wishes, she has been cremated and will be interred beside Keith at a private ceremony, a celebration of life to be announced. Donations can be made to Lake Ridge Oshawa Bowmanville or Port Perry Hospice.
