Determined. Kind. Clever. Quietly radical. Admirer of a perfect pear. These are just a few of the descriptors of Barbara offered by friends and family this week.
Barbara Findlay was born in a British army hospital in 1933. With the outbreak of World War II, she was sent to live with an aunt in Scotland. Although separated from her parents and siblings for long stretches, she spoke fondly of her childhood.
As she entered her 20s in post-war London, Barbara realized she wanted to see the world. After training as a librarian, she secured a job in a Canadian university library and packed her bags. She found a place to live, made new friends and pursued a degree.
In the early 1960s, she met a red-headed Canadian named Michael Hicks at a Student Christian Movement meeting in Toronto. He was smitten with her combination of brains, beauty, independent spirit, and humour. A first date at Fran’s Restaurant on St Clair soon led to marriage, followed by the birth of three daughters.
The family eventually settled in Ottawa, where Barbara re-entered the workforce full-time as a librarian. She loved her career, especially her work at the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, the National Library of Canada, and as Chief Librarian at St. Paul University. Equally committed to community engagement, she was awarded several distinctions for her volunteer work over the decades.
At home, she and Michael created a loving and welcoming environment full of laughter, music, and conversation. Their house became a hangout of choice for their daughters’ friends. When grandkids arrived, Barbara delighted in carrying out her “granny duties”.
A beloved aunt, great-aunt and cousin to many dozens of relatives on both sides of the pond, Barbara worked hard to ensure her “Maple Leaf” children were well connected to her family in Scotland and England.
As her mental and physical capacities waned, Barbara spent the last few years at the Glebe Centre and thrived in their engaging and cozy environment. In the last days of Barbara’s life, old friends and staff dropped in to hold her hand, share stories, sing and shed a few tears. It was clear that even with dementia, Barbara’s light shone brightly.
She is remembered with great love by daughters Jennifer, Margaret, and Sarah; grandchildren Mark, Carolyn, and Meredith Nicol, Santiago and Juan Ainslie, and Oscar and Ben Leckman; sons-in-law Bruce Ainslie and Michael Leckman; multiple generations of nieces, nephews and cousins; and friends of all ages. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Michael Hicks; her parents, Brigadier Charles Findlay CBE MC and Mary (Paterson) Findlay; sisters Jean Ker, Molly Findlay and Nan Maitland; and brother John Findlay.
We invite friends and family to join us for a celebration of Barbara’s life on August 26 at 11 a.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks Street, Ottawa, Ontario. The event will be live-streamed from the Cathedral. Please visit their YouTube page and click on LIVE events. https://www.youtube.com/@ChristChurchCathedralOttawa/streams.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Glebe Centre care home or a charity of your choice.
Digital Guestbook
Theresa Hicks
Diana Littman
I am crying reading this and just am so grateful to know a bit about Barbara — and Michael’s — sprit through my dear Sarah. Sending all my love and healing energy to all of you.
Carolyn Nicol
❤️❤️❤️
Anna Scheer
This is a beautiful tribute to a life well-lived and enjoyed to the full. Barbara was deeply loved and appreciated as I know from accounts relayed to me by my friend, her daughter, Sarah. My deepest condolences to the family at this sad time.
James McLean
Lovely words for a lovely lady.
Peggy Mason
I knew Barbara from our turbulent and heady days at the Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women where she was a calm and steady beacon whatever the upheaval. Though tinged with sadness at her passing, it is wonderful to catch up now on her full, full life!
Enrico and Sara Cleva
An immense hug to Sarah Margaret and Jennifer. May the memory of your mother always be filled with joy to celebrate a long and wonderful life.
Andrejka
Jennifer & family, I was so moved to read the marvellous obituary of your mother. It gives such a wonderful sense of her as a loving and accomplished individual. Her life was so full and well-rounded with family, love, work, volunteering. I hope all of these happy memories of her help sustain you in this time of grief. Wishing you all the very best.
Wendy Lawrence
I got to know Barbara while working at the Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women, where she was a steady and resourceful presence. In later years, I saw her at gatherings on issues we cared about -- and I also got together with her occasionally to catch up, over tea. She was always much involved in volunteering, including with the hospice. I had not seen her in recent years, so am pleased that her admirable life is well described in this obituary. I send my sympathy to her family.
Carol Phillips
Thank you for sharing this lovely and vivid portrait of your beloved mother, her vibrant legacy certainly lives in you Sarah and we send to you and your family our deepest sympathies in this time of profound sorrow. With much love, Carol and Jarle
What a beautiful tribute to Aunt Barbara!
What’s beautiful life! With much love & heartfelt sympathy to all the Family!