ANDERSON, Barbara Anne (nee Botham)
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Barbara, surrounded by her husband and family by her side on March 24th, 2023 in her 91st year.
Barbara was married for over 66 years to the love of her life, Dale. Cherished Mom of Rhonda (Mark) Cail, Sharon (Eric) Mosker and Cathy (Claudio) Tassone. Proud and loving Gramma to David (Taryn), Hillary (Matthew), Brianne, Jessica, Mark, Megan and Adam. A joyful Great Gramma to Emmett and Elaina.
Mom was born in Sault Ste. Marie to the late Gladys and Clarence Botham. She loved time spent on the water, swimming, life guarding and dancing the evenings away at the Boat Club; where she met the love of her life, Dale. Together they danced through almost 67 years. Mom was an avid skier, skater and was keen for any outdoor “Vvadvenchee” with her children and grandchildren. She was a beautiful seamstress, knitter, loved to crochet and created beautiful smocked dresses for her granddaughters that will always be cherished. A sixty yearlong love of the game of Bridge included all of her best friends. Her love of spending time at the family “camp” on Goulais Bay created the best memories for all of us. The Unbirthday celebrations with family skits, treasure hunts, piñata’s, bonfires and fireworks hold a special place in our hearts. Her love of nature and the beauty of Algoma inspired her paintings which now hang in our homes to enjoy and remember her. Her daily journal entries over the years will bring smiles to our days. Mom believed in giving back to her community and was a dedicated volunteer on the Cancer ward of Sault Area Hospital for over 40 years. The congregation of St. Andrew’s United Church included six generations of Mom’s family, where weddings, baptisms and first communions were rejoiced over many cups of the ‘best’ tea in town. Mom and Dad loved to travel and together they explored many countries around the world. Mom finally toured Italy with her daughters at the age of 80 and became the “Mom” to everyone on the tour.
Most importantly, Mom believed in family first. Her love and devotion to her husband, children and grandchildren was unconditional and everlasting. She always wanted to know ‘what’s new’ and was proud of each achievement and supportive of any decision. She proudly attended school plays, dance recitals, curling bon spiels and cheered loudly at endless hockey games. She believed in education and hard work and was so proud that all of her children and grandchildren graduated with University and College degrees. She never gave advice unless it was requested which allowed us all to grow, flourish and bloom with her love. Her great grandchildren brought tears of joy each time she saw them and she always said ‘how did I become so blessed’. She was forever grateful.
Mom loved to laugh, always saw the bright side of each and every day and taught us that no matter what life brings, laughter was the best cure. A special thank you to Rita Kohut, for her lifelong friendship, support and love. In Mom’s later years, her caregivers became her friends as no one could listen and love like our Mom. We wish to thank all of the staff at Pathways for their wonderful care, especially Julie, Donna and Liz. Thank you to the Sault Area Hospital staff on 2A, Kylie, Madeline and Dr. Jadavji who cared for Mom like family. But there was no better caregiver than our Dad with his love and devotion to ensuring her final years were positive, happy and full of love.
Mom words cannot express how we will miss such a bright light in our lives and we want you to know ‘we love you more’!
We are honoring Mom’s wishes by holding a private family funeral, with her final resting place at St. Luke’s Columbarium.
In honour of Mom’s memory, memorial contributions (payable by cheque or online) to ARCH would be appreciated by the family.
Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East, 705-759-2522).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Anderson family.