December 22, 1927 - March 11, 2023
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of “The Bev, The Queen, The Matriarch” Beverley Barber (Anderson Harwood) March 11, 2023 in her 96th year. Beverley was the daughter of Herbert and Evelyn Anderson. She was pre-deceased by her first husband of 48 years William Henry Harwood Phm.B (1998), and her second husband Dr. John “Jack” Roland Barber (2002), sisters Gail Hahn (2017) and Joan Ritchie (2006), sister-in-law “Peggy” Writt (2011) and great grandson Jacob Horst (2013).
Loving mother of her son David Harwood (Janet) Stratford, daughters Patricia Harwood of Penetanguishene, and Catherine Harwood-Dinney (William) of Exeter, grand-children; Lindsay Rennick (Kevin), Allison Horst (Jason), Mark Harwood (Amanda), Kyle Fusick (Steph), Justine Fusick (Tim), Simon Dinney (Robin), Molly Learn (Josh) and 14 great grandchildren. Bev is also survived by her brother Fred Anderson (Ardythe), and brother-in-law Edward “Ted” Barber (Bev). Fondly remembered by Anderson and Harwood nieces and nephews and the family of Jack Barber. Special mention to Joan Denboer.
Bev went to Hamlet and Avon Public Schools then onto Stratford Central SCVI. She graduated from the University of Western Ontario in Secretarial Science. Her working career began in Hamilton at Stelco in the office and then back to Stratford to work at the Board of Education. Bev was also a Constituency secretary for many years of MP William Jarvis. She was an avid volunteer of many organizations such as Treasurer for the Stratford Skating Club, IODE Stratford, University Women’s Club, Women’s Probus #117 Grand Bend, Grand Bend Horticultural Society, founding Guild Member of the Huron Country Playhouse. Bev was an active member of St. James and St. John’s By-the-Lake Anglican (Grand Bend) churches.
Bev was also known for her keen bridge playing, participation in Tai Chi and exercise classes, her love of gardening and music. Curling was her game in earlier years at the Stratford Country Club and Exeter Curling Club.
Bev was also an avid theatre supporter of the Stratford Festival and Huron Country Playhouse.
In 1976 Bev and Bill semi-retired to Grand Bend and re-established Harwood Drugs Ltd. where Bev spent many years developing a gift and card shop.
The cottage life was important in creating family memories in Oakwood Park in Grand Bend, Clear Lake in Muskoka, and finally Lurgan Beach in Point Clark.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Sean Blaine, Para-Med Services, Colleen’s Special Touch Home Care and Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth. A special heart felt thank you to Fred and Ardythe for their recent guidance, care and throughout Bev’s life.
Our Happy Thought? Our Mother.
There will be a public visitation on Thursday, March 16, from 5-8 p.m. at the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford. Cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held at St. James Anglican Church with Internment to follow in Avondale Cemetery in Stratford in the family plot.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth or to St. James Anglican Church through W. G. Young Funeral Home 519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
