It is with profound sadness that the family of Barbara Jean Ashbee (Maxwell) announces her passing on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, following a series of cascading health issues this summer.
Born in Orangeville, Ontario, as the youngest of four daughters of Jessie and Lenard Maxwell, Barb enjoyed the freedom and independence of life on the farm, and maintained an independent and caring spirit throughout her life’s experiences.
From an early age Barb was interested in caring for healing, initially with small animals on the farm and eventually to people who needed care. From volunteering in local care facilities in her younger years, through nursing in seniors homes during high school, receiving Registered Nursing Assistant Certification in 1971, graduating from as a Registered Nurse in 1973 ( Credit Valley School of Nursing) to completion of her Bachelor of Science Nursing (Lakehead ’93) Barb’s life was devoted to providing care for those in need.
Following graduation from nursing college, Barb married Dale on September 1, 1973 and started a 50 year journey together, moving first to Edmonton where she took her first nursing job at the University of Alberta Hospital, followed a year later with a move to Thunder Bay and the start of a what would become a 48 year long nursing career in the Thunder Bay hospital system.
Providing care for others was a passion for Barb and, whether as a full time nurse prior to her initial retirement at age 55, or as a casual nurse until her final retirement in 2020, Barb’s focus and enthusiasm was directed at providing those in need with the best care possible. Barb provided care to an enormous number of patients over her lengthy career and her engaging personality and helpful manner were remembered and expressed by many over the years. After building a home and moving to Scoble (Neebing) in 1980 Barb became involved in providing emergency care to local residents and supporting the development of a volunteer 1st Response initiative in the area.
Always a lifelong learner, when Neebing Emergency Services was formed in 1999 and incorporated the Emergency 1st Responders as well as fire fighters, Barb took the opportunity to train as a volunteer firefighter. In addition to basic firefighting skills Barb expanded her skills in many specialty areas of the fire service including completion of the Ontario Fire College Company Officer program in 2010 as one of a very small group of program graduates in Northwestern Ontario at the time.
With an ease in sharing knowledge and skills, Barb first taught IV techniques at McKellar Hospital and later would go on to provide training in First Aid , Emergency First Responder and Emergency Medical Responder to many volunteer 1st responders and firefighters in Neebing and across Northwestern Ontario. Barb’s knowledge combined with the shared realities of her lengthy hands on experience, and clear engaging style of delivery were enjoyed by all.
At home, Barb was devoted to the care and well-being of her family as a life partner and wife to Dale, mother to William (Trish), Meaghan and Carey (Nathan) and grandmother to Madeliene (Vancouver), Jackson, Avilene, and Elijah (Thunder Bay). Barb is survived by her sisters Lois (Manitoulin) and Hilda (Orangeville) was predeceased by her sister Marilyn and her parents Jessie and Leonard Maxwell.
Following her 2020 retirement Barb spent considerable time with her grandchildren, providing considerable care to the youngest during public and preschoolers through the pandemic period. Grandma Barb became the Craft Lady not only to her own grandchildren but to those of others with whom she shared her Craft finds.
Already we miss Barb’s indelible whit and readiness with a story or a ‘blame it on her Irish sayings’, like; ‘may the road rise up to meet you’ or’ if you don’t find me handsome I hope you find me useful’ or a favourite that best speaks to Barb’s sense of relationships, human or otherwise:
‘If you love something set it free, if it comes back it is yours, if it doesn’t it never was.’
Barb’s caring and protective nature was readily recognized by her own and neighborhood pets and she became a best friend and care giver to many in their time of need. Most notably a large wolfish looking, neighbourhood dog of no fixed address, that was a steady visitor for a number of years, regularly meeting the kids at the bus and drifting to Barb when he was hurt or sick, eventually taking his last breath by our door.
While known for her energy, unfailing upbeat outlook, and caring nature, the past few months have seen Barb receiving care and support from others who share that same desire to care for those in need.
Barb’s family wish to recognize and extend a special Thank You to all those who assisted in caring for Barb during these past few months, including staff and volunteers of: Neebing Emergency Services, SNEMS, TBRHSC- Emergency, ICU, 3C, 2B, Dr. Donald Young, Ambu Trans and the Palliative Care Unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital. The support of friends, neighbours and colleagues was greatly appreciated during the summer.
Cremation has already taken place and a Celebration of Life for Barb will be held at the Best Western Nor’Wester Hotel, 2080 Hwy 61 Thunder Bay on Sunday October 1, 2023 from 2-5 pm.
Donations in Barb’s memory may be made to Neebing Fire and Rescue Association (www.neebingfirerescuceassociation.com/donate) or one of the other care providers noted above.
