Barbara Susan Carswell
Died: December 25, 2020 | Place: London, Ontario
Obituary
CARSWELL, Barbara Susan
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of Barbara Susan Carswell (Campbell) on Christmas morning, 2020 at her home in London, Ontario. Barbara fought a courageous battle with cancer and, in the end, was comfortable, peaceful and beautiful.
Barbara grew up in Toronto and was a graduate of Ontario Teachers’ College. Barbara was working as a kindergarten teacher when she met the love of her life, Bill. Bill and Barbara married in 1969. They began their married life and family in Edmonton, Alberta where Barbara still has many close friends. Barbara and Bill returned to London in 1978 and started their own businesses. Until their retirement they worked side by side in Carswell Partners Inc with Barbara’s finance, accounting and administrative skills being instrumental to the success of the business. Bill and Barbara sold Carswell Partners in 2013 and spent many happy hours with good friends in London, at their cottage at Sturgeon Lake and travelling. Barbara was active with the Foundation at her church, Saint James Westminster Anglican Church and The Prevention and Early Intervention Program for Psychoses (PEPP) at LHSC. She enjoyed her book club friends, quilting, sewing and was a wonderful cook with an infectious laugh, beautiful smile and calm demeanour.
She is survived by her loving husband, constant companion and business partner, Bill and her so dearly loved son, Ryan Campbell Carswell. She was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Kelly Jean Carswell in 2001 and her beloved parents, Norma and George Campbell. Barbara was the beloved sister to Donald (Susan) Campbell and Colin (Kathleen) Campbell, and caring, loving aunt to Amy Campbell, Cait Allen(Jordan) and Colin James (Lina), Graeme (Sarah) and Alex (Jen) Campbell. Barbara was the dearly loved daughter-in-law to Margaret Jean and Allan Carswell (predeceased), dearly loved sister-in-law to Nancy Willoughby (Ron) and dearly loved aunt to Thomas (Tina) and Neil Willoughby. Barbara also loved her many great nieces and nephews.
Because of the present pandemic a small funeral service will be conducted at Saint James Westminster Anglican Church, London, Ontario with Rector Keith Nethery officiating at a date to be determined with Interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery alongside family. As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated by the Children’s Health Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society or PEPP via the LHSC Foundation. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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Words, so inadequate. Beauty was in every part of Barb: her smile, her kindness, her heart. I feel very privileged to have known her just a wee bit. Bill, sending love and support.
Joy
Dear Barb
You are loved by so many
Your friendship has been ever present for over 35 years. Always there if and when needed. That was your gift for us.
We will miss you terribly but just remembering your smile will forever be with us.
So grateful for you.
We will watch over Bill and Ryan as I am sure you would expect nothing less.
Goodbye dear friend
With heavy hearts and much Love
Peter and Lyn
Bill and family. There are simply no words to express our profound sadness upon learning of Barb’s passing. You both have meant so much to us and I will be forever grateful for our time working together. I will treasure it forever.
Barb was one of those rare people who could light up a room and will be deeply missed. Our condolences
Terry, Kelly and family
Bill, so sorry to hear about Barb. Our thoughts and heart go out to you; I know you were soulmates.
Grieving with you, Bill, on news of Barbara’s passing. Our prayers for you and your family join those of your multitude of friends, John
Auntie Barb is loved and will be missed by our entire family. Barb and Bill’s trips to Ottawa were always something the twins, and Lina and I wholeheartedly looked forward to. She was a beautiful, energetic, happy, kind and caring soul and we will miss her. Sending love to Bill and Ryan
Dear Bill: Anya & I were saddened to hear of Barbara’s passing. Please know that our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. Every time we had the good fortune to be in your and Barbara’s presence we both felt the love you both had for everyone. Sincerest condolences from Anya & Jim.
Just thinking of Barbara would always bring a smile to my face and I would look forward to seeing her. If you looked up grace, gentleness and kindness in the dictionary, you would find her lovely face.
I’m quite certain she is resting in God’s embrace right now.
I will always treasure her friendship, but selfishly will be sorry it wasn’t for longer.
Bill and Ryan are in our hearts and prayers.
I was blessed to get to know Barbara and Bill as I hung out with my friend Colin at the Campbell cottage.
Barbara was a lovely person and I will miss her.
Bill, the world has lost such a kind and gentle soul. Grace is a word that personified Barb. Her calm and gentle demeanor, are how we will remember Barb. A true lady, always with a listening ear and a beautiful smile. Bill we are always here for you, as you try to move forward from this huge loss. Kelly will be welcoming her Mom with open arms as they dance in heaven together.
Louise and I thinking about you and the sad loss of your wonderful wife Barb. Always a smile a happy laugh and so easy to converse with. It was a privilege to know Her. Your friends Paul And Louise.Sabourin
It is with deep sadness we share your loss Bill and family of such a beautiful lady as Barb she will be truly missed here on Sturgeon Lake . Bill and Debbie Young
We are deeply saddened by the news of Barbara. She was such a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill and Ryan and the rest of her family.
Bill we were so saddened to learn of
Barbara’s passing. Our prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
God bless.
Ross & Marie
I am not sure that in my life I have ever met a more spectacular person … my heart breaks for Barbara’s family’s loss. All my love to Bill and Ryan
I’m sending these condolences on behalf of Bob and Claudia Bevington of CedarGlen Rd They share in your loss of a lovely lady who we will all truly miss.
I had the pleasure of working with Barb and Bill for 9 years at Carswell Partners. Barb had the patience of a saint along with the grit and determination to learn new things and accomplish her goals. She was a classic beauty with an open heart and
a ready laugh. Whether you needed a shoulder or sound advice, she always showed up. Her presence in a room made it feel lighter and brighter. I will always remember her as beautiful inside and out. My condolences to Bill and Ryan. They were so lucky to have her and her love.
Bill, It is with saddened hearts, that Thora and I were told of Barbara’s passing! Such a wonderful neighbour and friend! We enjoyed our morning talks on your walks Bill. Barbara will be truly missed by many!
Bill, you are in our thoughts and prayers. May your loving memories of Barb help you during this difficult time and may family and friends be there for you as we enter a New Year.
Auntie Barb was so loved and such a loving person. We will always cherish the time we spent together. She will be remembered for the way her face lit up when she spoke and immediately made everyone around her feel at ease. As a child I looked forward to every trip to sturgeon lake to spend time with her. She will be forever in our hearts and greatly missed. ,
Our thoughts are with you Ryan and Uncle Bill.
Caitlin (Jordan and Gwen)
Dear Bill and family,
I was recently saddened to hear of Barbara’s passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these emotional ?? times.
Barbara was such a wonderful human being inside and out. She will always be in our hearts and minds.
Our deepest condolences.
From Noah and Nelda
We were so sorry to learn of Barb’s passing. She was a gentle, kind and caring person and we will miss her. Our deepest sympathy to Bill and Ryan.
Bill Fred and I are so very sorry for your loss of Barb. She was such a wonderful woman. The love that you shared for over 50 years was second to none. With our very deepest sympathy, Fred and Laurie Davis
Bill and Ryan,
Heartfelt condolences on your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you
Rest in Peace Barb, rest in peace
Heather Goddard
Bill: I am so sorry for your loss.
Bill and Family I send my condolences. Such a great smile every time Barbara entered a room. Going to be greatly missed
Dear Carswell family,
My deepest condolences to you all. I am part of Barb’s book club and loved her sense of humour, her comments about the book we were reading and whenever we needed an answer to a question, she was the first on her cell phone to find the answer. She had a lively, enquiring mind and was a sweet, kind woman. I join many who will miss her very much and again I offer you heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time.
Regards, Cydna Mercer
Bill, so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. I remember the many fun times we had as cousins at grandma and grandpa Terrell’s. I was always envious of how Barb learned sign language to talk to our grandparents. She will be greatly missed, a wonderful person.
I am so saddened to learn of Barb’s passing. Seeing her at Jimmy and Jenny Thompson’s 50th a few weeks a go I thought she looked terrific. May she be at peace at reunited with Kelly after all these years.
Deepest sympathy Bill, Ryan and family on the passing of your beloved Barb. RiP Barb. Your smile was contagious.
Dear Bill,
Words alone cannot express the sadness I feel for hearing of Barb’s passing. You were always more than client’s. You were friends. My heart goes out to you and Ryan. Barb will always be a beautiful kind soul.
Barbara will always be an inspiration in the lives of those who knew her. Her infectious laugh, positive outlook and devotion to family will always be remembered. Many of our most memorable times occurred at the cottage with Barb and Bill. Thanksgivings and Boxing Days will not be the same without Barbara. We couldn’t have asked for a better sister.
Kathleen and Colin Campbell
I am so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. From the moment we moved to Sherwood Forest she became such a huge part of our childhoods. She was our Brown Owl for our Brownie troop! I will always remember the sleepover birthdays and trips to the cottage. I learned a few recipes from Barb and Kelly and I think of them every time I make Kelly’s “knock your socks off chili” and Barb’s chewy chocolate squares. She will be missed dearly.
Bill: My most profound condolences. I am so sorry for your loss and deeply grateful to have known Barb.
I was heart-broken to learn about Barb’s health problems and passing. Barb was a beautiful person in every way: loving and loyal, compassionate and giving, blessed with common sense and kindness. Barb’s warmth and good humour made a difference to the people we served and those in her personal life. My deepest sympathies, to Bill and Ryan and members of the extended family.
Bill,
I was sorry to learn about your wonderful wife’s passing . Having read the obituary I realize she was truly an amazing woman ..
Our thoughts are with you & your family at this difficult time .
Do please stay in touch .Will & Ginny .
Uncle Bill & Ryan,
There are not enough words to describe my wonderful Auntie Barb. She was a precious gift, not only to me but to the whole family. We will all struggle with the thought of living our lives without Auntie Barb, especially her bright smile and infectious laugh but hopefully reflecting on the many wonderful memories will help ease our sadness. We love you!
Love Always,
Amy Campbell & Ian Heward
Our deepest condolences to you Bill. We will miss Barb and her kindness and generosity in helping others. Her infectious smile will always be a reminder of her.
Terrible news and really sorry for your loss.
She was always cheerful and positive whenever we bumped into each other – lately of course being in downtown Lindsay.
To Bill and Family;
Please accept my sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy as you grieve and celebrate Barbara’s life. I knew Barb over the past recent years through the book club she and I shared. She struck me as a quiet woman with her own thoughtful opinions. I am confident that time and many fond memories will bring you comfort. Sincerely, Betsy
My sister Barb was a absolutely wonderful person and we will miss her always. Our loss while great is nothing compared to Ryan’s and Bill’s . We are glad we got to see her at the cottage in the summer. Goodbye Barb
Barbara, we have shared so many memories with you which we will always cherish. Our special friend, our next door neighbour of 42 years and godmother to our daughter, we miss you more than words can say.
My sincere condolences to all of Barb’s family. Barb & Bill were always a delight to chat with.
May all of your happy and joyful memories bring you comfort during the sad days ahead. Shirley (mother of Kelly Gillis)
Our sincere condolences to Bill and his family on the passing of Barbara. We will always remember her bright smile and outgoing manner. She contributed so much to those she worked with and the community in which she lived.
Bill:
Please accept our sincere condolences on Barbara’s passing. We will both have fond memories of days at the lake wwith the both of you.
Tony
Bill:
I am sorry to hear of Barb’s passing.
My deepest condolences.
Jim McKenzie
Dear Bill and Ryan,
My deepest condolences. Barb to me will forever be that special neighbour next door who always had a kind word and a smile to share over the hedge, my Godmother, the mother of my dear childhood friend (Kelly), the one to go to when John and I were locked out of the house, the one who gave me chicken noodle soup on her couch when I was sick and my parents had to work, the neighbor who of course had bird seed on hand to give to my kids for a school project when were were home in November (I am so grateful for this visit), and a dear dear friend to both of my parents.
I am so sorry that we were not able to come and say a proper goodbye. Sending big hugs and many prayers.
Love, Krista (Ryan, Chase and Ainsley)
Dear Bill
We are so terribly sorry to learn about the loss of Barb. It was a real pleasure to have had the opportunity to work with her. She was always ready with a kind word and her wonderful smile could make any situation better. Your great personal and professional partnership was an inspiration to both of us.
Please know we are thinking of you at this difficult time.
So very sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you Bill.
Rick & Sandy
Bill and Ryan,
I have felt so saddened since Barbara’s diagnosis and her passing.
As high school best friends in Agincourt, who managed to stay in touch all these years, I have so many lovely memories of Barb.
I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for both of you, knowing how hard it has hit the rest of us.
As many have said, you must be rich in wonderful memories of her.
Clearly, she impacted everyone the same way, with her kindness, humour,
and friendly personality.
I was very honoured that she asked me to be a bridesmaid at your wedding. Thank you for being such a caring, devoted husband to her, Bill.
You and Ryan can be so proud of her life.
Bill, I am so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. It was certainly a pleasure to get to know you both over the years. You made a great team and were always wonderful to deal with. My sincerest condolences.
Bill and Family. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Truly enjoyed working with the both of you and always admired the passion and positivity you both bring.
Where there is light in the soul, there will be beauty in the person. Remembering Barb for her kind heart, her humor and her strength of character. My sincere condolences to Bill and Ryan.
Bill, my heartfelt sympathy on your immense loss. I knew Barb not only as a member of St. James Westminster but also as a book club member. She was such a kind and caring soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I am so very sorry to hear about Barbara. She will forever be remembered by me as a very kind and caring person.
Barb and I met in Grade 5 and shared many, many fun times as young girls, going to camp together and just being friends. I have so many great memories of Barb and her Campbell family. It is devastating to hear this sad news. To Bill and Ryan, and Barb’s brothers, Donald and Colin, I send my sincere condolences..
Rest in Peace, old friend!