Frances Marie Barr

Frances Marie Barr (nee Sharp) passed away on October 20, 2023 at Caressant Care in Courtland. She was 88 and leaves behind a brother, Wayne Sharp, and two sons, Stephen and Kevin.

Frances was the devoted wife of Earle William Barr, who passed away in Tillsonburg in 2022, also 88. Married for an incredible 68 years, theirs was a great union of two. Only in their last few years were they ever separated. They balanced each other remarkably, pursued shared interests, did pretty much everything together.

Earle was an active artist always, and Frances pursued it right alongside him, especially throughout their early retired years in Muskoka.  Both professional photographers, they built a gallery onto their residence in Port Carling – Panglossian Acres – and became staples in the local arts community, a pattern that continued in Tillsonburg with regular showings at Station Arts and other regional galleries (A selection of Earle’s work is on permanent display in Woodstock Hospital’s main lobby).

Their shared pursuits were not however restricted to art. Through the 70’s and 80’s, when the family lived in the Toronto suburb of Scarborough, it was modern square dancing and its social milieu that attracted them. They had the reputation of a couple who could really dance and would often travel to events throughout the region.

Frances and Earle had a love of nature, beauty and of craft. Their houses were filled with wonderful, unique touches, always artful and considered. But it was Frances, Mom, who really made it a home. Engaging, great fun to talk to, seemingly never out of balance, a parent but also a friend. And she was remarkably resilient.

Even in her last years, after two strokes and with limited mobility, her spirit never broke.

Mom was a warm and caring mother, an ideal partner and frankly, as human beings go, she set a pretty high standard.  I think all the Barr males were lucky to have her.  She really was the best of us.  She will be greatly missed by her sons.

Wareing Cremation Services, 346 Simcoe St., Tillsonburg was entrusted with Final Arrangements.  Messages of condolence may be shared here at wareingcremation.ca