A light that has burned so brightly for so long at 43 Idaho Dr. in Sault Ste. Marie has gone dark.
Barbara Millroy, in her 91st year, passed away at Algoma Residential Community Hospice on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, safely secured by the love of family at her bedside.
So ended the life of an ordinary woman who made an extraordinary impact on all those she touched in her long journey of life. She was like a beacon for many of the unfortunate among us, as if there were a mark on her forehead that only they could see that told them she would listen to their stories with a caring ear.
In one memorable instance at the Pearson Airport in Toronto, she received an egg in return.
Barbara would never blow her own horn, so the family has decided to blow it for her. She was kind, considerate and compassionate, always putting others before herself. She was everyone’s cheerleader, fiercely loyal and just as fiercely protective of those she loved or anyone who wore the tag of underdog.
Humour was a given, always delivered with an infectious smile. And the smile, of course, was meant to melt hearts and it did.
She did have an acute sense for fun and although this led to laughter on pretty well a daily basis, she also had a serious side, more than able to hold her own in any political discussion.
Barbara’s work-life began in 1971 when she joined The Sault Star’s classified advertising department part-time. She retired in 1993 as manager of the department.
Barbara had a lifetime affinity for animals, serving 13 years on the Sault Ste. Marie and District Humane Society. She was a fierce advocate for those who couldn’t speak for themselves, a trait that began in childhood and remained with her until her death.
As she prepared courageously for her coming departure, Barbara said she considered herself one of the luckiest people to have ever lived.
“I had a great life, loving and being loved,” she said. “I don’t have a single regret.”
Barbara is survived by her husband Doug, children Sharon Swain (Late Walt), Stephen Wysynski (Renee), Lynne Wysysnski, stepchildren Sandy Millroy (Donna), Blake Millroy, Charles-Anne Wardlaw (Greg), Chris Millroy (Lisa), grandchildren Rachel McLaughlin (Ryan), Will Swain (Morgan), Barbara Wood (Darcy), Blake Millroy Jr., Erin and Brett Millroy (Brittany), Jordan, Jenna-Rae and Ashlyn Wardlaw (Michael), Christian and Liam Millroy and great grandchildren Thomas McKee, Sam and Ben McLaughlin, Hailey and Harmony Swain, Elizabeth Vezina and Aubrey and Averman Millroy and many nieces and nephews.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Harry and Pearl Stares, her first husband Bill Wysynski, sister Joan Elgie (Late Bill) and brother Bob Stares (Late Avalonn).
Barbara and her family would like to thank the paramedics, whom she came to consider friends, at Voyago who transported her to and from her dialysis appointments.
Barbara also expressed deep appreciation for the caring staff at the medical and renal units at Sault Area Hospital and the staff at ARCH who tended so compassionately to not only her every need but that of family as well.
At Barbara’s request, there will be no funeral services and cremation has taken place. A celebration of life by the family will take place at a later date. It would be appreciated that any memorial donations be made payable to ARCH.
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456).