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Submitted by moconnell@beec… on Wed, 01/29/2025 - 11:40:AM

Bridget died quietly surrounded by family and friends after a two-year struggle with cancer, aged 76. She had a remarkable talent for friendship, and her death has left an enormous hole in the heart of her family and the wide network of the friends and admirers she collected over the course of her long and gracious life. She died holding hands with her beloved sister Kathleen, with brothers John and Michael, sister-in-law Linda Scott Barber and lifelong friend Posie Weldon Ross at her side. An "auntie" for the ages, Bridget was an adored figure in the life of her six nieces and nephews --Janet and Stephanie Oliver, David and Bridgeen Barber, Mary and Kelly James Barber. Her generosity, humour and stubborn love were the glue that held us together through times both joyful and challenging. Bridget had a genius for family life that stretched to include dozens of friends and strangers alike.

The third child of David and Janet Barber (née Hart), Bridget was born in Hamilton and brought up in Toronto. She attended Havergal College and Queen's University before joining the book trade, where she spent her entire career. Rising to become sales manager of Fleet Books, Bridget later partnered in the creation of Hornblower Books, a sales agency that made her a familiar and welcome face at independent bookstores throughout eastern Canada. In retirement, and until a few weeks before her death, Bridget worked part time at Ottawa's Books on Beechwood, accompanied always by her rescue dogs Lambie, followed by Dickon and then Maisie. Bridget characteristically carried on after her diagnosis and went about her life as usual -- working in books, singing with the Shout Sister Choir, nurturing family and helping friends.

Bridget was horses, cats, dogs, folk art, ancestors and music. She was the source of the best presents under the tree, an endlessly patient listener, a slow mover, funny, stubborn and fearless. She was the best of us, and her memory will keep us whole.

A celebration of Bridget's life will take place Saturday, June 28th, 2025 at the Beechwood Funeral Home, 280 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa, with a service beginning at 1 p.m. followed by a reception.

 

 

 

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/29/2025 - 10:42:PM

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Catherine (Gray) Gravely

Bridget was a wonderful friend from my high school years. Witty, curious and kind. My condolences to her family, who generously welcomed me to their Toronto home and Muskoka island retreat. I have many fond memories of Bridget as a very special person who brightened a room. She will be missed.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 01/31/2025 - 08:15:PM

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Beth McFarlane

I always was happy to run into Bridget in the neighbourhood with our dogs or in Books on
Beechwood. Bridget had an easy way about her and I enjoyed her wry comments. We were
only acquaintances but I will miss seeing her in our neighbourhood. My condolences to her
family and friends.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/01/2025 - 10:15:AM

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Denise Anderson

I had the pleasure of working with Bridget in the book industry for many years. She was the best. Condolences to her family and many friends.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/02/2025 - 08:46:AM

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Molly Helferty

A wonderful laugh, a great wit, a truly wonderful woman. I am so sad to hear this. My heartfelt condolences.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/05/2025 - 08:42:PM

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Amanda Wheeler

Bridget was a wonderful neighbour for many years until we moved to Australia. I have many fond memories of us strategising over the raccoons! My best wishes to all of her friends and family, she will be missed. Amanda and Mark

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/09/2025 - 02:13:PM

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Debra schram

Bridget was a wonderful woman and will always be in my heart. We worked together and travelled together for 30 years. She had a great sense of mischief and we giggled and we laughed together often, laughed until tears streamed down our faces and we were gasping for breath. Thank you Bridget. You are a rare and beautiful soul.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/11/2025 - 09:17:PM

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Catherine Bergeron

I had the pleasure to work with Bridget for many years and will always remember her intelligence, great sense of humor, honesty and positive attitude. Deepest condolences to her family and friends.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/23/2025 - 08:49:PM

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Cathy Lee

Bridget was a friend and shining star in my life for so many years. She was my Book Rep and then Hornblower Books owner, while I was in the book business purchasing from her for various stores and companies over time.
Bridget and I were also part of the Pinkies, a fun, interesting group of women who gathered to support each other, and to celebrate life and all of it's positive elements. With much laughter as well.
Bridget was such a force in my life, intelligent, insightful, knowledgeable of all things it seemed, extremely well read. And above all, a steadfast, fun, loving, caring, thoughtful friend.
She will always be with us and always missed.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/28/2025 - 07:23:PM

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Katie Tallo

Bridget was a true friend of writers. She was one of the first people to advocate for my debut novel, review it, participate in my book launch, and tell everyone about it. She did that because of her generous, thoughtful heart. I will always remember that, and her and cherish having known her. She always had a smile for me. And today I’m smiling for her.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/28/2025 - 08:13:PM

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Bruce Deachman

I just heard about her passing today, coincidentally only hours after the celebration of Bridget’s life. She was such a wonderful, funny person. My life and, I suspect, the lives of everyone who knew her, were so much enriched by having known her.

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