Life is just like painting.
Draw the lines with hope.
Erase the errors with tolerance.
Dip the brush with lots of patience.
And cover it with Love.
Barbara was an accomplished artist. She had God given talents but continued to work on her craft throughout her life. She loved to paint, often selecting scenery and landscapes to test her talents. These masterpieces will remain, for many others to enjoy, for years to come.
Barbara Jean was born on January 21, 1947 in Pinkerton to parents Jack and Effie (Simms) Noble. She joined older brother Terry and together they soon welcomed younger siblings Bob, David, Judy, Thom and Pam. The Noble family spent time in Teeswater, Elderslie and Chesley during the childrens youth. Barbara attended public school in Lockerby before moving onto Chesley District High School.
While attending high school, Barbara met Lawrence Ray McCoy. The two were both the same age, lived in Elderslie and soon began to date. As they say, the rest is history and the couple were married on July 10, 1965 at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Chesley. The young couple welcomed Danny later that year in October and then Jeff in April of 1967.
When not at home caring for the boys, Barbara held a variety of jobs over the years. She acted as a manager at the grocery store, worked sales and retail at a furniture store and even tried her hand as a travel agent in Hanover. When not working, she also enjoyed her involvement with the Chesley Legion Auxiliary and Elmwood Seniors.
Barbara loved to be outside. When outdoors she could often be found working in her flower beds, garden, or helping Lawrence with some manual labour around the farm. She enjoyed autumn as it probably provided her with some of her favourite scenery to paint. Barbara often read magazines, particularly the “Home & Garden” variety. When it came to TV, it was usually The View, Marilyn Denison or the CBC News. She was not picky when it came to eating and wasn’t afraid to enjoy the occasional glass of white wine.
Her talents and passions also included staining and refinishing furniture. In some circles, Barbara was referred to as the “fish lady” as she loved swimming and the water. Likewise, due to her years as a travel agent, Barbara loved bus trips and went on countless trips around Southwestern Ontario. When around home, Lawrence joked that she was always “on the road” or maybe better put “dust and tail lights!” When it came to home renovations, she was often referred to as “crowbar Barb” often wanting to tear out any wall that got in her way.
She was a generous woman, who loved to care for her children and grandson Dillon. This maternal instinct always extended to Lawrence, her parents and all of her siblings. Simply put, Barbara cared for all those around her and did all she could to make their lives better.
Sadly, Barbara was diagnosed with cancer in April of 2017. Although she put up a valiant fight, she, like so many, lost her battle on Friday, May 25, 2018 at the age of 71.
Beloved wife of Lawrence. Cherished mother of Danny (Diane) of Sullivan Township and Jeff (Kathie Smith) of Shallow Lake. Barbara will be dearly missed by her grandson Dillon and her siblings, Terry (Brenda) of Thunder Bay, Bob (Esther) of Saint John, New Brunswick, Judy Noble of Durham, Thom of Owen Sound and Pam Noble of Collingwood. She was predeceased by her brother David and parents Jack and Effie (Simms) Noble.
A Celebration of Barbara’s Life will be held at the Pavilion in the Chesley Park (across from the swimming pool) on Sunday, June 3, 2018 at 2 p.m.
Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
