Barbara Rose Van Dusen
elevated OVYi0 June 18, 1941- May 7, 2024
elevated OVYi0 Barbara Van Dusen passed away peacefully on Tuesday May 7, 2024, at the age of 82. She was born in Toronto and called it home until she became a widow, in 2019, and moved to Barrie to be with her recently widowed twin sister Beverley Harvey-Deane. At the time of her passing Barbara was residing at the Bob Rumball Home for the Deaf, in Barrie, with her sister.
elevated OVYi0 She is predeceased by her husband Wilson Van Dusen, her parents Frank and Helen Giroux/Martin and her brother Billy Giroux. She is survived by her twin sister Beverley Harvey her cousin Linda McLauglin and too many in-laws and step nieces and nephews to mention. Barbara was especially close with her step nieces Sandy (& Mike) Nesbitt and Heidi (& Paul) Chrzan and step nephew Shawn Deane.
elevated OVYi0 Barbara was known for her easy going and kind nature. She spent her career working for the Ontario provincial government (in Toronto) in various administrative and supervisory roles before retirement. She was also social and had a passion for bingo and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Her natural kind heart and love extended beyond her family to include her many friends and various cats over the years.
elevated OVYi0 A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday May 14, at 1:30 PM– 4:00 PM at the Bob Rumball Home for the Deaf (BRHD), 1 Royal Parkside Drive, Barrie, ON, L4M OC4. The family would like to thank the BRHD medical team, staff and Reverend Donna Purkis for supporting Barbara for almost three years. Those who wish may send donations to the BRHD at www2.bobrumball.org
elevated OVYi0 Barbara will be interred alongside her brother Billy, at Holy Cross Cemetery, Thornhill, ON, in the near future.
elevated OVYi0
My wife Helene and I extend our deepest condolences to Aunt Barb’s family. I have many memories of her and Wilson. I especially remember the Van Dusen family reunion at Wellington when we all attended the high school dance.
There were too many weekends that you and Willy came to our home in Wellington, to mention but there was always lots of laughs and good times that are instilled in my memory and heart. We love you and will miss you forever.
What can I say about this lady? Classy, funny, witty, loving. She loved her family, all of us crazy Van Dusen’s. Every long weekend and holiday from a small kid up to an adult involved her and Uncle Wilson. I looked forward to them, spending time with them, laughing, eating, playing cards. Never do I have a memory of those weekends/holidays without her. She will forever be missed and forever in my heart. She wasn’t just an Aunt to me. She’s with the love of her life now, and the whole crazy Van Dusen siblings. That would be so lovely to see again.
Sorry to hear of Barbs passing Very much loved and admired by Marilyn and Edward Van Dusen