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Lori died at Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice with her beloved husband Bill, the love of her life, at her side.
Theirs is a love story beginning in High School in Picton followed by a wedding a few years later in 1954; a marriage that has lasted for 71 years.
Predeceased by her parents Rowland and Pearl Barker, Lori is survived by Bill and their three sons Richard (Susan), Mark (Dorset) and Eric (Terrie) and her sister Merle Morrison and several nieces and nephews.
Lori was an incredibly optimistic person greeting everyone she met with a beautiful smile, a kind look in those gorgeous blue eyes and a respectful, positive attitude.
She was an accomplished pianist, choir member, passionate lover of nature, teacher, activist, environmentalist and close follower of politics who never hesitated to do what she could to make this world a better place.
Fascinated by birds, she began watching them as a young girl growing up on her parents’ family farm in Prince Edward County. She became a very knowledgeable birder in later life and contributed to various research projects on bird populations, habitat and migration data.
As an avid gardener, she was always concerned about ecosystems and wildlife habitat. She introduced many people to the importance of planting indigenous trees, shrubs and plants, particularly those that provide food and shelter for all forms of wildlife.
She freely gave her time, volunteering in a variety of projects, serving on Boards, committees, church activities, political campaigns and field naturalists groups. Not content with volunteering herself, her skills at recruiting others to volunteer are legendary. There was a saying “you can’t say no to Lori.”
Lori contributed to life in Cobourg in many ways. One in particular was her work as President of the early hospital auxiliary, serving on the hospital Board and helping with the establishment of our present hospital as well as volunteering in later years in the diagnostic imaging department.
Lori’s family is deeply grateful for all the love, help and support from neighbours and friends during Lori’s final journey in this world. We appreciate so much the love and professional care she received at the hospital and later at her final home, Ed’s House.
All those wonderful caring nurses, PSWs and other staff under the watchful compassionate, guidance of Dr. Mulé made Lori’s journey comfortable and Bill’s grief more bearable.
There will be a private family ceremony at a future date.
We would be grateful for donations in Lori’s name to the Northumberland Hills Hospital, Ed’s House or to a charity of your choice.
Very sad to hear of Lorries passing. Sure we will miss her. Wonderful neighbour when I lived at Marsia Lane. Bill we did have some good times. Pray you and yours are OK. Best.
Lorie was a lovey lady .
My sincere condolences to Bill and Family. Lori was a true breath of sunshine and I felt so lucky to have known and worked with her. A life well lived. Sincerely, Kim Schonhoffer
Dear Bill and Sons, While we are sorry for your profound loss Bill, we enjoyed having Lori and you both as part of our church family at Trinity. I am so pleased that both you and Lori got to hear me say that you were an inspiration to me personally and always a pleasure to talk to. Lori is experiencing the love of her Lord now as promised in 1 Corinthians 5:8. A donation has been made in her honour to Trinity United Church. 💝
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Nature Conservancy of Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Condolences to Lori's family - she was a bright star in the universe and will be remembered.
I was so sorry to hear of Lori's passing. She was a lovely, friendly and welcoming lady and I always enjoyed having a chat with her. I'll remember her lovely smile and I'm so glad that I knew her. My heartfelt sympathy to Bill and his family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Trinity United Church
Dear Bill & family, I am sorry to hear of Lori’s passing. What a wonderful, kind, giving lady she was, serving her family, church, and community. You were blessed with a long, steadfast love & life together to cherish. Sincerely, Karen Chalovich
Condolences to the Wensley from the Hanley and Raaymakers family. A wonderful woman indeed.
Bill and family- I'm so sorry for your loss. Lori was wonderfully welcoming and kind. She will be missed. Alyson & Rod
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Lori was the first person to come up and talk with us the first day we attended church all those years ago. Her positive friendly personality shone through immediately and we have never forgotten that interaction. Bill, we are very sorry for your loss and are blessed to have had the opportunity of knowing both you and Lori.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
My sincere condolences Bill and family. Lori was a special lady and a genuine friend and she will be sincerely missed by many. Lori's smile will never be forgotten.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
There was a spiritual quality to Lori that touched everyone she encountered. Her depth of caring and her ability to understand things beneath the surface made me always grateful to connect with her. I will cherish her memory. Our sincere condolences to Bill who accompanied her so beautifully and her three sons, Richard, Mark and Eric who meant so much to her. Wishing you all the best.
My sister Lori was a very special human being. She was incredibly kind, super smart and fun. She was always there for me and helped me navigate my life. I will cherish my memories of her and I will miss her every day.
Mom was truly a special person which is reflected by the amount of support my father has in the community, a very special thanks to Steve Allen, Ron Swallow, John and Peggy Coutts, David and Nancy Lester, just to name a few. Also the staff at Ed's House who were so kind and compassionate to both mom and dad.
Sad to hear of Lori passing. Great neighbor had a lot great laughs. Am sure she will be missed.
BILL.....Christine an I send our love an condolences my friend. Lori was such a lovely lady....always a big smile on her face.. Such a lovely person and great human as people can see all her accomplishments. Hugs to you Bill from Christine an myself..........Harry Van Hees
I am fortunate to have met Lori, with her beaming smile, and to have seen her several times per week these past few months. Lori was the essence of a true lady. I offer my sincere condolences to you, Bill, and your family.
I am very sorry Bill. It was always a pleasure visiting her. Deepest condolences. RIP Lori.
Dear Bill, Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Lori. Through our longtime shared connection at church we got to know her as a remarkable woman filled with kindness, compassion, and a truly giving spirit. Everyone who knew her was touched by her warmth and the genuine care she showed to others. The love and devotion you shared for a remarkable 71 years are a beautiful testament to a life well lived. With deepest sympathy Barb and Roger Halligan
Thank-you for everything Mom/Lori. We will miss you always and forever. Love Richard and Susan
Our deepest condolences to Bill and family. Our community lost a GREAT friend and a huge volunteer. Lou and Diane Rinaldi
Lori and Bill made us feel welcome when we first came to Willow Beach Field Naturalists. Condolences to Bill and the family.
Sincere condolences Lori was a sweetheart Beautiful smile and heart of gold I met her when I worked at DI Dept at hosp RIP Lori 💜🌺
Condolences to Bill and family. Lori was a warm and supportive lady to many.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Dear Bill and family, Lori was truly a special person who meant alot to our family. We are thinking of you all and send our deepest sympathy. Love, John, Chris and family
Bill & Family We feel so very fortunate to have enjoyed Lori (& Bill's) friendships in ours lives. Lori, a kind, giving, caring neighbour, and a concerned naturalist - always working to protect wildlife and nature. We will miss her humour, conversations, love of life (& delicious lemon pie). Sympathy and condolences to all.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Bill and family - Beautiful tribute. Although I didn't know Lori well, I know that this is a very difficult time. Please accept my sincere condolences. Wishing you all comfort and peace.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Bill and family. Lori was a ray of sunshine. You could not help but return that smile. Happy to have known her. Our sympathies to you and your family.
Bill : So sorry to learn of Lori's passing - you were a great couple. You must be missing her terribly. Condolences and take care. Doug Mann
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Lori was a charismatic yet gentle soul and we were privileged to have had her in our lives. Our love and sympathy go out to you Bill and to your extended family. Barb and Ron Swallow
We are saddened to hear of Lori’s passing. Lori was a wonderful volunteer, and we are grateful for her 45 years of volunteerism with the Northumberland Hills Hospital Auxiliary from 1971 to 2016. On behalf of the NHH staff, volunteer team and NHH Auxiliary board we send our condolences to Lori’s loved ones.
As I matured I grew to appreciate mom’s uniqueness, strength and joy of life . I have been blessed to have had her as my mother . Mark
Dear Bill & family, I am saddened to hear of Lori's passing. She was always so warm and welcoming and an incredible "giver" in all walks of her life. Lori certainly made a difference in this world, and will be sorely missed. Heartfelt condolences to each of you! Carol
Our condolences to Bill and family at this difficult time. A remarkable lady and a true gift to have known Lori.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
We are saddened to hear of Lori's passing. She was a truly lovely, warm and caring person who will be remembered with great affection.
Bill, I’m so sorry to hear of Lori’s passing. She was so friendly and kind and I loved my brief time meeting her. Your partnership was special to witness.
Dear Bill and family. We were truly blessed to have known Lori and our community was so fortunate to have her contributing in so many ways. Deepest sympathy. Sincerely Tony and Carol