Obituary of Barbara Joan Pitt

The loss of a mother can never be replaced but the love of a mother can never be lost.

On May 29, 2022, Barbara Joan (McGuire) (Porter) Pitt passed receiving her wings and went to walk with the angels. She was 84 years old and a resident of the Turnbull Home.

Barb was raised on Straight Shore Road (Chesley Street) in Saint John, NB. She was the daughter of the late Muriel Katherine (Parks) McGuire and Richard Thomas McGuire III.  The oldest of six siblings, she had great adventures and many stories to share about her twin brothers, Ronnie and Dickie, brother Sammy and youngest brother David. There was always a strong bond with her only sister Liz; their families spent many memorable times together.

Barb had one speed and that was go!! Just trying to keep up with her in the lap lane at the Aquatic Centre or for a walk to the Lakewood Reservoir or anywhere, was a herculean task. She had a fondness for cooking, playing cards, bowling, dancing, going for drives and scratching lotto tickets. Barb and her late husband Dave, of 45 years, loved dressing up and were the sharpest looking couple on the dance floor at the Saturday evening Foresters Dances. She enjoyed travelling not only with Dave but with her daughters, Claire and Tanya and her granddaughter Jennifer. The best of times with many laughs were had on the yearly trips to New Hampshire and Florida. "Why get a drivers license?", she would say, "I can always walk, take the bus, a cab or I have all of you to get me wherever I want to go". She also enjoyed all the family occasions, meals, barbeques, holiday dinners and Christmas breakfasts that her sons and daughters-in-law hosted frequently.

Barb always made time for everyone. She was happiest being a mother and grandmother. She was a central figure in the lives of her children and grandchildren. To them she was the star in their eyes. She would proudly boast about her children and grandchildren to whoever would listen.  She loved hearing, "Mom, I'm home", after school and we were comforted knowing she was there to greet us.  Barb provided support, love and words of wisdom to her family with a long list of "Momisms".  She not only prepared scrumptious meals for her family but for her friends that loved congregating at our house on Karen Street in Lakewood.  She also enjoyed talking with her new neighbours when she lived in Greendale.

She is survived by her sons Steven Porter (Susan) and Michael Porter (Cheryl); daughters Claire Porter and Tanya Pitt. Her bounty of family grew with the addition of her adorable grandchildren Jennifer (Brad), Matthew and Isaac. A prouder Nannie there could never be. Barb was blessed to recently experience the joy of her granddaughter Jennifer giving her a great grandson Brandon. She is also survived by brothers Richard McGuire (Lynn) and David McGuire (Ann); many nieces, nephews, and cousins; as well as her life-long friend from Straight Shore Road, Adelaide Rogerson and her close niece Cathy (Wade) Walton.

Besides her parents, Barb was predeceased by her first husband Clair Howard Porter; daughter Catherine Ann Porter; second husband Gailyn David (Dave) Pitt; son Paul David Pitt; sister Elizabeth Ann Wade; brothers Samuel Lorenzo McGuire, Ronald Norman McGuire and brother-in-law Richard (Dick) Wade.

Barb's family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the Turnbull Home family for her exemplary and compassionate care. All the departments: nursing, dietary, activities, housekeeping, maintenance, and management who all worked together to give Mom exceptional care. Our family will never forget the kindness shown to Mom and to us.

For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, donations in Barb's memory may be made to the Turnbull Home - Activities Department or a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row in Saint John, NB, where visitation will take place on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm and 6:00 - 8:00 pm.  A Celebration of Life will take place in Brenan's Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at 12:00 pm.  Online Condolences can be made at www.BrenansFH.com.