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Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at her home in Haliburton surrounded by her loving family. She was 83 years old. Beloved wife of the late Gerry Dawson (2013). Loved mother of Stephen Dawson (Michelle) and Jeffrey Dawson (Virginia). Adoring grandma of Haley, Jeremy, Reid, Victoria, and Rachel, and dear sister of Thomas Troughton of Kingston. Barb will be missed by many nieces and nephews. Her caring ways, warm smile and thoughtful counsel made her a touchstone for many in Haliburton and her extended community.
Barb was raised in Toronto by her mother after her father was killed in action in Italy in 1944. A graduate of the Toronto General Hospital School of Nursing, Barb had a brief nursing career as a RN before starting her family and supporting Gerry in his accounting practice. Her independent side and willingness to serve led to many volunteer experiences. Barb sat on the Board of Directors for the Haliburton Red Cross Hospital, twice served as President of the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce, was the Secretary of the Haliburton Red Cross Hospital building committee, President of the Haliburton branch of the Canadian Red Cross Society and sat for 7 years on the Board of Trustees for St Joseph’s General Hospital in Peterborough. Her passion for health care continued as Chair of the Ad Hoc Planning Committee for long term care beds in Haliburton, Chair of the PR Committee for St Joseph’s General Hospital and Chair of the Fundraising Committee for the Haliburton Hospital Expansion. Within Haliburton County, Barb served on the Directional Plan Steering Committee, Planning and Development Committee, the Health Services Board, the Hospital Auxiliary and the Board of Directors for the Guild of Fine Arts. She was recognized as Highlander of the Year in 1991.
Her natural curiosity gave her a love of travel which she truly enjoyed whether on the back roads of Haliburton or an Antarctic cruise. Her interest in current events and politics led to many spirited conversations. Over the years, many friendships were established through St. George’s Anglican Church, curling, skiing, squash, traveling, the Anonymous Book Club, Roving Lunch Club, knitting club, bridge, the Easy Rider Cyclists, Friendship Force, East York Collegiate reunions, and square dancing. Always a class act, her fun-loving disposition and welcoming personality will be missed by many.
Visitation & Celebration of Life
Friends are invited to attend at HALIBURTON COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME 13523 Hwy #118 Haliburton, Ontario 705-457-9209 on Friday afternoon, June 17, 2022 from 3 until 5 p.m. A Celebration of Barb’s life will take place in the Chapel on Saturday morning, June 18, 2022, at 11 o’clock. (Visitation one hour prior). Private Family interment to follow at St. Peter’s Anglican Church Cemetery, Maple Lake. As an expression of sympathy, donations to Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
At the family’s request, please wear a mask.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara "Barb" Dawson (nee Troughton), please visit our floral store.
Haliburton Highlands Health Service Foundation - Palliative Care Unit
PO BOX 1413, Halibuton ON K0M 1S0
Email: foundation@hhhs.ca
Web: https://www.hhhs.ca/foundation