Visit the Smith Funeral Home website to send your condolences and support
With loving family by her side, Barbara passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024. Beloved wife and soulmate of Teddy, for the past 70 years. Loving mother of the late Pamela Forster, Ken Winsor, and Keith Winsor (Jackie). Cherished "Nan" of Mellanie Forster Buckley, Chrystal Matthews (Aaron), Kellen Winsor, Tempest Winsor (Will), James Winsor and Emily Baughman (AJ). Great-grand nan to Gabe, Levi, Quinn and Luke. Barb is also survived by her brother Donald Henderson, sister-in-law Bernice Henderson and Joyce Collins, son-in-law Keith Forster, daughter-in-law Anita Winsor, many nieces and nephews, and their dear friend Doris Dart. Predeceased by her parents John and Freda Henderson and brothers Jack, Bob and Douglas.
Barb had a down to earth and welcoming spirit and a laugh and smile that would light up a room. She was a wonderful cook and baker, talented sewer, knitter and avid quilter. Barb, alongside with Ted, loved RVing, their winters in Florida, music, dancing and their nightly cribbage games. Above all she loved her family and pets. She was never without a cat or dog.
Barb's last few years were challenging, but in perfect Barbara fashion, she took it on with resilience and strength.
We are very grateful for the care, kindness and genuine affection shown to Barb by the loving staff and residents of Marshall Gowland Manor over the past 4 years.
Cremation has taken place and a private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Sympathy may be expressed through donations to The Sarnia & District Humane Society (cheques only at the funeral home please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.
Our Sweet Nan
Written with Love by Jackie Winsor – August 2015 (Revised June 5, 2024)
This story is to celebrate a lady known as Nan.
Born August 12 th in thirty-five, a daughter was the plan.
To John and Freda with delight, they added in a girl.
There’s Jack and Bob and Doug and Don, but Barbara was their pearl.
Now as you know this red head gal was quite a figure skater,
And Barbara’s job was Sunday cake, the family would share later.
The Metropolitan was a store where Barbara earned some money.
Then Barb and Gail walked to the rink and here she met her honey.
A tall, thin lad named Edward Sparks did one day catch her eye.
Many trips to London did pay off, rewarded with his prize.
On May 15 th in fifty-four the couple they would wed.
A weekend trip was all they took cause work was there for Ted.
In Sarnia they’d make their home with Barbara in her glory.
She cooked and cleaned and raised three kids and always had a story.
A mom superb was not a shock, there was Pam and Ken and Keith,
And knowing Barb, without a doubt, there was a pet beneath.
She loved her pets in multitude, had dogs and cats and mice.
She sewed and knit but family knew, lemon dessert she would entice.
The family grew and in-laws came first Keith, then Neit, then Jack.
Her nickname stuck, now known as Nan, her title now a fact.
To list her grandkids, I begin with Mell and Chrys and Kel,
Then Tempest, James and Emily, the love she showed so well.
Now Gabe and Levi, Quinn and Luke arrived, all say they’re “great”,
Their visits, calls, and kisses bring great joy beyond debate.
Barb camped and danced, she sang and laughed, Friday lunches with sweet Doris.
Then on the porch with quilt in hand, would surely make her joyous.
Ted did the cooking and let’s just say, a prime rib there was no better.
A game of crib or spin the “Wheel”, to guess the final letter.
In later years her health declined, her strength and spirit tested.
Residing then at MGM, her husband she requested.
Soon Ted would follow, which eased her heart, and Keith their biggest aid.
The staff and friends, like Kip and Paul, their care and love displayed.
To thank her now seems insufficient because she’s such a treasure.
A hug, a kiss, a kind word or prayer, our love cannot be measured.
One’s life that’s lived with strength and courage, with love and lots of fun.
Her legacy has been passed down; God says a job well done.