-Barbara Honsberger-
Age 76, of Fonthill Ontario, passed away peacefully, on Friday June 2, 2023, at St.Catharines Hospital following a year of health challenges.
Barbara was born in Hamilton Ontario on July 10,1946, the daughter of the late Dorothy (Lockard) and Eugene (Pete) Honsberger. Barbara is survived by, and remembered, with much love and gratitude by her brother, Fred Honsberger and his wife Suzan MacLean of Halifax, Barbara’s partner of 27 years, Jim Mulock, his son Stephen Mulock, daughter Crystal Mulock and Jim’s grandchildren David, Drew, Emma and Jack. Love and gratitude are also felt by Barbara’s stepson John Jaques, his wife, Karen, of Victoria B.C. and their sons Owen and Ian. John’s life was greatly influenced by Barbara who raised him with affection, as her own son, during his formative years.
Barbara was raised in Welland, Ontario, attended Welland High School and later graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Home Economics. Following internship at St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto, Barbara began her 25 year career as Director of Food Services and Nutritional Care at Central Hospital located in a culturally diverse area of downtown Toronto. She was recognized in “Homemaker Magazine” for the broad international culinary expertise of her staff at Central Hospital who created and prepared meals consistent with the cultural background of the Central Hospital patients. Barbara established the first Meals on Wheels program for individualized therapeutic diets in Toronto, chaired the Metro Toronto Association of Nutrition and Food Service Directors and lectured at George Brown College, Humber College and Ryerson Polytechnic University.
Following consolidation of Toronto hospitals in 1997, Barbara worked as an Associate for 16 years with Food Systems Consulting and Dana Hospitality in Toronto.
In retirement, Barbara was Chair of the Pelham Horticultural Society in Fonthill. She and Jim enjoyed exploring and frequenting the many interesting dining establishments in the Niagara Peninsula.
Barbara earned a reputation as a witty, charming, stylish and welcoming hostess at her exceptional dinner parties for family and friends in Toronto, Fonthill and Huntsville. She touched the lives of many people who will remember her for her engaging personality, unconditional friendship, strong views, “raised eyebrow” when something seemed amiss and her loving, caring, giving, and forgiving manner.
We wish to thank the nurses and staff of the Rainbow Unit at the Niagara Falls Hospital and the Adams Unit of Linhaven Nursing Home in St. Catharines for their kindness and care of Barbara. Cremation has taken place. A private funeral service for immediate family members will be held at a later date. If desired, donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the SPCA in your community or to the charity of your choice.
Fond memories of Barbara or condolences may be forwarded through pelhamfuneralhome.ca