April 12th, 1942 - September 23rd, 2022
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Ellen Gajda (née Grasley) on Friday, September 23rd, 2022, in her 81st year. Cherished wife and best friend of Mitch Gajda for 36 wonderful years. Loving mother to her three sons, Paul (Cindy), Jim, and Brent (Maggie), and her daughter Nicole. Proud Grandmama of Richard (Sarah), Meghan (Daniel), Elizabeth (Laurie), Brittany (Carson), Sarah (Blake), Jesse (Carly), and Allegra, and her four great grandchildren Clark, Jack, Charlie and Genevieve. Predeceased by her parents Olive and Elwood. Beloved sister of Patricia, Phyllis, Mary Ruth and the late Jimmy. She will be remembered fondly by her many nieces and nephews. Barb was a special friend to her second family on St. Joseph Island.
Barbara worked as a passionate educator and dedicated counsellor with the Algoma District School Board. She cared deeply for her students and was delighted that many of her former students reached out to her after retirement to share their memories with her. Barb was fortunate enough to be surrounded by love in her life. The thing she enjoyed most was spending time with her friends and family. Barb and Mitch's home on St. Joe's Island has always been the gathering place for events big and small. She was always the generous, happy hostess for family dinners, holiday parties, afternoons on the dock, game nights with friends, and her granddaughter's wedding. She had a passion for gardening and the gardens grew bigger and more beautiful every year. Her days were spent in the garden or on the dock with loved ones and her cherished dog George. Barb's life was a life well lived.
We would like to thank the staff at Matthew's Memorial and Sault Area Hospital for their outstanding care. A special thank you to Amy at Bayshore Home Care for her exceptional care and continued friendship. At this time, there will be a private service for family members; a celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Arthritis Society of Canada or Myeloma Canada (payable by cheque or online using the links below). Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St James Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456).
Arthritis Society of Canada – https://arthritis.ca/
Myeloma Canada – https://www.myelomacanada.ca/en/get-involved/ways-to-give/giving-in-memory