Barbara Edmonds

EDMONDS, Barbara…

Peacefully, on Friday, February 14, 2025, Barbara Edmonds (née Pittaway) left the Palliative Care Unit at Parkwood Hospital and entered the presence of her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Barb was born on January 6, 1943, and grew up in South London. She attended Tecumseh Elementary School and South Collegiate Institute. She graduated from the University of Western Ontario (UWO) in 1965 with an Honours Degree in Mathematics, and in 1966 with an Althouse College of Education certificate. Barb taught at Oakridge Secondary School in London, and Jarvis Collegiate Institute in Toronto.

Barb loved math and music, receiving her associate degree in piano from the Royal Conservatory of Toronto. Always looking for a challenge, in 1999 she decided to learn to play the oboe. The New Horizons Band was just starting at UWO, and she convinced its leaders, who assured her the oboe was too difficult, to provide an oboe instructor. She was a charter member of the band and continued playing her oboe for twenty years.

A hardworking and generous host, Barb’s way of caring for people was special. Whether hosting one or ten or one hundred, Barb made sure her guests left full – stomachs full of great food, brains full of stimulating discussions and, if the garden was in season, arms full of fresh vegetables. And one cannot forget the many, many UWO medical students who (almost) looked forward to writing exams because they knew they’d be served one of the thousands of cookies she baked for them over the years.

Breast cancer was diagnosed in 1990 and with treatment Barb survived. AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) was diagnosed in February 2019, and Barb was told it was unlikely she would see 2020. Treatment induced a remission and gave her another 6 years and she was now considered to be an outlier. Last fall she was unable to return home after being admitted to hospital with pneumonia and then developing other infections. With the care and support of the wonderful staff and physicians at Parkwood Palliative Care Unit she maintained the label of outlier when she survived in palliative care longer than anyone expected. Even during the hardest times, she did her best to cheerfully greet everyone.

She is survived by Merrill Edmonds, her beloved husband of over 58 years, as well as her two children Brian and Marcia, and three grandchildren – all of whom she loved dearly and liked to spoil. She is missed by her sister Lucille Robson. Barb was a special friend to many who will miss her quick mind, kindness, hospitality, and her musical skills.

The Celebration of Life for Barb Edmonds will be held at the Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre, 551 Windermere Road, London, on Sunday, May 4th, 2025 from 2 to 4 pm. After entering through the gates off Windermere Road, keep to the right and follow the road that goes to the right and down the hill to the back of the building. If necessary passengers may be dropped off at the back main doors just off the circular drive and parking is available (dropping passengers at the front main doors will require a long walk). The Celebration will take place in the Garden Room on the corner of the building at driveway level on the left. Family members and remembrances of Barb will be inside the Garden Room and, weather permitting, outside on the patio and lawn. We also hope to have a wind quintet playing during the first hour. At 3 pm an informal session in the Garden Room will include a video of Barb’s life and provide an opportunity for anyone to recall a favorite memory of Barb. If you would like to say something let us know at (barb.e.celebration@gmail.com) and we will be sure to give you an opportunity to speak. If you would like to provide a reflection but cannot attend or just prefer to not speak, please forward your reflection so it can be read at the celebration to (barb.e.celebration@gmail.com).

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Barb may be made to the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre (formerly London Regional Cancer Program), the Parkwood Institute Palliative Care Program or the Mission Services of London. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com