Barbara Anderson

Barbara Anderson B.A (Bonn), M.A. (Toronto) died suddenly and unexpectedly in her Oakville home on February 26, 2018 at the age of 77. She is survived by her husband Donald E. Anderson, two daughters Suzanne Anderson and Caroline Derderian, and five grandsons Saul Field, Arie Field, Jake Anderson, Aidan Derderian, and Liam Derderian. She was pre-deceased by her only son Michael Anderson in 2017.
Born in Elbing, East Prussia (now Elblag, Poland) in 1940, she and her mother survived a harrowing flight westward in January 1945 as part of a massive exodus ahead of advancing Russian armies in brutal winter weather. Having miraculously made it to the west by 1946, the little girl and her mother survived the hardships of post-war Germany until conditions began to improve and her mother, a learned woman, obtained work at the German Foreign Office in the new capital of Bonn where they finally settled. These childhood experiences engendered in Barbara a deep sense of responsibility and empathy to the suffering of others for the rest of her life.
In 1960, Barbara met her future husband of 56 years in England. She was at Manchester University on a one-year exchange with the University of Bonn. He was a Canadian Engineer studying at Manchester on an overseas scholarship. They sat by chance at the same table at an International Students Dinner. At first, she didn’t know what to make of this strange colonial boy. But he was persistent and the rest is history. They were married on the banks of the Rhine in Bonn in 1962 and arrived in Canada a year later.
Her husband’s work on Ontario Hydro’s nuclear power program involved considerable transfers from one location to another but a one-year posting in Toronto permitted completion of her Masters Degree in Slavic Languages at U. of T. They finally settled in Oakville and never left except to the family cottage on Georgian Bay at Cape Chin every summer.
Barbara was an accomplished painter and sculptor, linguist, gourmet cook, and mother and grandmother extraordinaire. She was an expert volunteer Braillist with the CNIB for many years. She was a Reiki Master and was well-read and knowledgeable on matters of health and nutrition which she shared widely with those in need. She was a generous donor to many charitable causes in support of children and the environment.
She radiated love and caring to all who came in contact with her. Hers was a life truly well lived.
There will be a gathering for family and friends at Ward Funeral Home, 109 Reynolds Street, Oakville between 11 am and 1 pm on Sunday March 4th. At her request, cremation has already occurred. In lieu of flowers, donation to any charity supporting children or animals is suggested.
Please visit the Book of Memories at www.wardfuneralhome.com

Please refer to the video tribute to learn more about Barbara's life.