Barbara Gwendolyn Robart

Barbara Gwendolyn Robart

“May All Beings Be Happy”

Barbara Gwendolyn Robart

February 1,1954 – November 22, 2020

On Sunday, November 22nd, 2020 Gwen passed away at the Palliative Unit at Bridgepoint Health in Toronto.

Gwen was born in Moncton, N.B., daughter of the late Edith (Wolfe) and Chuck (C.H.) Robart. Her step-mother Grace (Clark) died in 1991.

Work as a care provider in a long-term facility in Alberta, kindled a life-long focus of supporting people with special needs and mental health issues. This included work at L’Arche, Reena, and the Toronto East General Community Mental Health Program. She had a clear vision regarding advocacy and was passionate about making our world a fairer place.

Opinionated and passionate, kind and sensitive, frugal yet generous of spirit – that’s our Gwen.

Gwen’s interests were many. She explored her creative interests later in life – studying piano, voice and theatre into retirement. She was a Tai Chi practitioner and teacher, and attended the Buddhist Center ‘’Friends of the Heart”. She greatly valued her experience in Improv and later the Ryerson Act Two group – including I’m Still Here; and had a special connection with that group. She easily gained the affection of her companions, who valued her playfulness and her inclusivity. She enjoyed evenings of Scrabble with her Toronto family and friends, listening to great music, taking a break to dance a bit, as well as discussing the latest great detective fiction books with Kevin.

Though she had no children of her own, her nieces, nephews and the children of friends could rely on Aunt Gwennie to fully engage with her love of mischief and play. Near the time of her passing she expressed amazement that she had been so loved.

Another source of joy was the out-of-doors – camping, hiking and spending time in her garden – where she enjoyed sitting with friends relaxing beneath the tall pine tree, picking raspberries early in the day and feeding the birds and squirrels.

Gwen will be greatly missed by her brothers Keith Robart (Florence) and Maynard Robart (Ellen), her sisters Fern Lane (late Angus) Peggy Morton (late Hughie) Pat Woods (Kevin) Christine Doucette (Alan) and a great number of nieces and nephews, as well as her circle of friends and colleagues. Gwen was predeceased by her brother Roger (late Joyce) in 2018.

Due to CoVid isolation we will wait until we can connect as a community to gather and celebrate Gwen’s life.

Special thanks to her remarkable surgeon Dr LaFramboise at PMH, nurses and specialized treatment teams at Princess Margaret Hospital, and the kind and skilled team at Bridgepoint Health Palliative Care Unit, 10 North.

And to those numerous people who supported Gwen/us through this journey – far too many to name – our deep thanks. Gwen was so fortunate that you persisted despite the isolation of CoVid.

Gwen contributed to a number of charities including Amnesty International, The War Amps, The Scott Mission, and Mouth and Foot Painting Artists.

If you wish to do so please determine the donation of your choice in Gwen’s memory.

As Gwennie would say: “Love is a Verb…just sayin”

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