Barbara McLean

Barbara McLean

Mar 2nd 1932 — May 1st 2023 (91 years)

Biography

Barbara Charlotte McLean (nee French) was born on March 2, 1932 in the small village of Plymouth in Devon, England. She decided at an early age that she wanted to explore the world. So she moved with her husband to South Africa. They had a daughter (Tracy Lynne Quick) . When the marriage ended, Barbara and her daughter moved back to England. But not content to stay there, Barbara decided it would be a good idea to move to Canada. A great decision for all involved. Barbara had a wonderful life in Toronto with loving partners and many friends. She was the epitome of glamour and ran the Fine Fragrances Department at the Yonge and Bloor Hudson's Bay store for many years. Upon retirement Barbara and her husband (George McLean) moved to Lagoon City and had the most unretired retirement possible - their calendar was always full. After her husband passed away, Barbara moved to Toronto to be closer to Tracy. She enjoyed travelling and made the most of her final years. She never met a cruise she didn't like. Thank you to Blaine for arranging all those trips and creating the memories. They say life is lived in the dash between the numbers - Barbara McLean lived a very full life until her recent passing on May 1, 2023. Please join us for a Celebration of her Life either in person or via Zoom. Saturday, May 27 1-4pm (speeches at 2pm) at 10 Delisle Avenue, Toronto in the Deer Park Room. Parking next to the building in the Green P garage, use P2 level not main level. Zoom Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88197164120?pwd=VGEzRmFDME01ek96RFlLSjFaa3JsZz09

Notes of Condolences about Barbara

Alex Bevilacqua

5 days ago

Barbara had an obviously big heart, treating me like family, I always felt welcomed and at home the times we spoke and laughed together. I'm thankful for the kindness she showed me. My sincere condolences.

Sean McLean

5 days ago

To Auntie Barbara,


I'll always cherish the trips up to Lagoon City, the family get-togethers and your funny stories that always had us all in laughter. You will be deeply missed, especially your recognition of how handsome I've grown to become. Thank you for noticing.


Love Sean

Margaret Repas Macdonald

6 days ago

A wonderful true lady in every sense of the word! We enjoyed many glasses of wine together and often sat on the park bench - Barb, myself and my dog Cooper. Her wisdom , her sense of humour and her stories about life were inspiring, often humourous .She would sing to Coooper whom she loved and he always enjoyed her comforting pets and kisses!

Rest in peace my dear friend - you will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you!

Dianna, Rob, and Jesse, Oscar, and Mousey Beaudin

8 days ago

Tracy, we never met your mum but we know you and that tells us she must have been a lovely human being, I know you will miss her but I'm sure you can rest in the knowledge that she is surrounded by Jackson, Abbey, Dylan, and Remington et al...that's a blessing. Peace to you friend.

Emily McLean

10 days ago

To Auntie Barbara, who welcomed me with open arms growing up. I will always remember the cherished memories visiting you and granddad at Lagoon City, and all the wonderful family gatherings after.


You are greatly missed, and will always be in our hearts.


Love Emily

Stephanie McLean

10 days ago

Even though we didn't call her Grandma, she was mine from the moment I was born. Auntie Barbara was an inspiration to me and our family for all the years she was a part of ours. From her charisma, intelligence, fashion, and wonderful sense of humor, I have always looked up to her as an incredible and beautiful role model.


I am blessed to have known her and to have been part of her life and her family. She will be missed and remember by so many people, including myself.


Goodbye Auntie Barbara. Your memory lives on forever. Xoxo

Love Steph ❤️

Jennifer Makinson

12 days ago

I am so lucky to have known Barbara for so long…. I didn’t see her often after I moved to Victoria, but I have wonderful memories of our good times, both in Toronto and Lagoon city.


She was such a vibrant personality and always the life of the party. While we were together in Lagoon City, we always walked the 5K circuit together, and enjoyed so many happy times with the Lagoon City Follies and the many activities there. Those memories will always be with me. …

.I will sing “Trees” for you as requested, Barb. 💞🦘🇨🇦

Al Sillito

14 days ago

While I only met Barbara a few times, I recall one time when our mothers met over a Christmas meal. She was very pleasant, but also had a sharp wit. I have known Tracy for many years and see that Barbara did an excellent job in raising her. Barbara was very fortunate that even in her senior years had many around her that gave her the love and comfort that everyone needs. Having my mother passed recently from the devastating effects of dementia, I can sympathize with Tracy‘s state of mind and grief over her mother. While she is no longer of this world, I’m sure the Tracy and the ones that loved her. The most will always have her in their hearts. God bless her.


Graham and Sue Wise

14 days ago

Our deepest condolences on Barbara's passing. Always enjoyed seeing you a family gatherings at the McLean residence in Unionville. RIP

Catherine McCarthy

15 days ago

I had the pleasure of meeting Barbara on several occasions., we spent Christmas at The Old Mill one year and have gone to some wonderful shows with Tracy and Barbara. She was always a happy and beautiful woman inside and out. She was always interesting to talk with and I remember how she enjoyed my terrace for a surprise party I had for Tracy. It’s so very hard to loose a parent. Especially your mom. I can only believe that Barbara is in a much better place now reuniting with family and friends as well as her grand fur babies that are no doubt enjoying this wonderful addition. Love and prayers. 💕🙏🏻🌈

Evelyn McLean

15 days ago

To my wonderful mother-in-law whose grace, charm, good humour, and lovely singing voice I will truly miss. I may never achieve the perfection of your elegant hand pose, but will continue to work on it. Thank you for the love and laughter. Evelyn xoxo

Gilda Jubad

15 days ago

Barbara and I were next door neighbours and I so enjoyed our friendship- her stories, humour,

beauty, wisdom. And her love of music and song - she would often have us singing along with her.

We shared many a glass of wine together, a dinner, a fun time .

I miss her friendship, we all miss her at Rosewell Ave.!

Bern Grush, Toronto

15 days ago

Here’s to Barbara, a dear friend and neighbour in her last years.


When we met in 2016, one immediately recognized her charm, humour, and glamour. She told me many stories of her years during the Second War and many more stories thereafter. She was a person who had been through a lot and maintained a wonderful sense of humour throughout.


We, here at Rosewell, will miss her.

Ian Dyer

16 days ago

My early years growing up always excited to see my Auntie on the few occasions either when she visited the family in the UK, or a pre booked telephone call, when we would all gather to talk to her. So far and distant made it such a privilege.

Such a glamorous, confident lady and an inspiration.

Myself and my Wife Ann were so honoured and privileged that, with Tracy she made the long trip to join us at our Marriage in Skiathos Greece 17 May 2018.

It was to be our last time spent together and probably the only time I really talked to her on a real one to one basis.

I/ we will miss you Auntie.

Lots of Love

Ian and Ann Dyer,

Devon , Uk



Comments Awaiting Approval:

Approved Comments:

Alex Bevilacqua

Sean McLean

Margaret Repas Macdonald

Dianna, Rob, and Jesse, Oscar, and Mousey Beaudin

Emily McLean

Stephanie McLean

Jennifer Makinson

Al Sillito

Graham and Sue Wise

Catherine McCarthy

Evelyn McLean

Gilda Jubad

Bern Grush, Toronto

Ian Dyer

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