EWAN-VICARS, Barbara
Barbara died on Friday, January 26, 2024 at home at the age of 96. She was the last of the Ewan family line, pre-deceased by her parents, Roy and Emily (nee Corbman) Ewan, her sister, Eleanor Brown, and infant brother, Gordon. Barbara is survived by her husband, Michael, and her nieces, Susan (Garry) Reinhart and Nancy Reimer (Larry Pearce). Also remembering her are the many friends she made through her long life of work, volunteerism and travel. We remember and admire her unique personality and her individuality whether expressed through her necklace collection or the art objects reflecting her travels to exotic places. In her working career, Barbara was a detail specialist in office administration in several companies, notably American Can and CNIB. She was always the sophisticated professional, never appearing without stylish hat and gloves. Her administrative skills and attention to detail easily transferred to her volunteer interests and were fully utilized at Big Sisters of Niagara Falls, during 8 years at Women’s Place St. Catharines, and 15 years at Grace Community Church Thorold as Treasurer. Whether in her career or her volunteer duties, Barbara was dedicated, loyal, efficient and effective.
Barbara’s great passion was travel. She was always drawn to the exotic destination and the path less travelled. In her single days, she prided herself on being a Foreign Independent Traveller. Barbara enjoyed two Mediterranean cruises, long before cruising became a popular vacation choice. She also cruised from east to west through the Panama Canal, and circled South America visiting Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, The Galapagos Islands and Ecuador. Memorable was her journey to Machu Picchu, again well before it was a popular destination. Michael enjoyed travel as much as Barbara did so their adventures continued after they met. Together they visited Greece, Spain, Morocco (Casablanca!) and Tenerife. They later enjoyed a tour of the Middle East led by United Church ministers. Their exotic travels continued on their honeymoon in New Zealand, Australia, Tasmania and Fiji. Further adventures took them to Tunisia, Austria, Egypt and the island of Djerba. Barbara and Michael rode camels in the Sahara and ventured to the border between Egypt and Libya. One of their favourite vacation destinations was Portugal, where they enjoyed the weather, the food, the people and the scenery on three occasions (2003, 2013, 2014). Interspersed were long stay vacations on the Amalfi Coast of Italy (2004) and in England (2006). They cruised the Panama Canal from west to east in 2012. Of particular importance was their South Pacific cruise to New Zealand to visit Barbara’s long time treasured friend, Avis.
Barbara lived a long life rich with family, friends, adventures, challenges and rewards. She valued her independence, spoke her mind, had a quick wit and wonderful sense of humour and was generous to all. Best of all, she was a Christian for she believed in Jesus Christ, the son of the Lord God, the Heavenly Father. We will remember her with love and admiration.
A Memorial Service of remembrance will be held at 1:00 o’clock on Monday, February 5th, 2024 at First Reformed Church of St. Catharines, 1136 Vansickle Road North, followed by inurnment at Lundy’s Lane Cemetery in Niagara Falls.
Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca