It is with sorrow in our hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Barbara Erb (nee Avery) on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at the age of 81. Barb passed away with dignity and grace at the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH) Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario surrounded by the love of her family. She is the forever cherished wife of Ralph Erb and indescribable mom of Stephanie Erb (Ray Wilson) and Melissa Whitmell (Dereck). She was a wonderful Grammie to Cameron and Sophie Whitmell and loved them with all her heart. Barb is survived by her loving sister Wilma Duggan (late Murray) of Richards Landing, Ontario. Predeceased by her parents Bessie (nee Hunt) and Percy Avery. Barb will be forever missed by sister-in-law Elizabeth Richards (late Dennis) and nieces and nephews Heather Parr (Brian), Scott Duggan (John Hovhannisyan), Melanie Wester (Rob) and Wendy Smith (John). She was also a very special great aunt to Megan and Mikala Parr (Brandon Tosh), Sarah, Alex and Taylor Wester and John Smith. Barb will be dearly missed by her many friends, including her very special “birthday girls” group, who were so important to her. She valued her friendship with each and every one of them.
Barb was known for her thoughtful attention to detail and her amazing organizational skills. She loved her family immensely, demonstrating this in many ways, from specially prepared meals and desserts, birthday and Christmas cards with underlined passages, carefully chosen gifts and remembrance of important occasions in all of our lives.
Barb loved to camp and travel with both family and friends. One of her favorite places to be was at the Tobermory house, playing cards and digging in the flower beds. It was truly a special place for her. Her memory will live on there along with her mother-in-law and brother-in-law. Barb loved Christmas and celebrating it on her sister’s farm was a tradition for many, many years. During her childhood, a lot of time was spent in Rydal Bank, playing on her grandfather’s farm with her cousins.
Barb’s family would like to thank the staff at ARCH for their care and compassion for her in final day and her physicians, nurses and care staff at the Sault Area Hospital. Special thanks to Drs. Spadafora, Murdoch, Wilson and Apostle for their exceptional care, compassion and empathy towards Barb and her family. Thanks as well to nurses Louise, Donna-Rae and Lee for their care and compassion.
Family and friends are invited for a visitation held at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East 705-759-2522; COVID restrictions will be followed, masks are required) on Thursday, February 24, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral will be held at Willowgrove United Church on Friday, February 25, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Greenwood Cemetery. For those who cannot attend friends are invited to view the service online on Friday, February 25, 2022 at 11:00 am. The service can be viewed anytime up to 90 days. Go to www.funeraweb.tv and select Barbara’s name to view the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations payable by cheque can be made in memory of Barb to Willowgrove United Church Gift and Memorials Fund or ARCH. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com