Obituary of Patsy Jean Barker

Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025, Patsy passed peacefully with her daughter, Michele, by her side at age 88.  Patsy was a loving Mother and will be sadly missed, but it was her time to go.  Born in Grand Falls Windsor, Newfoundland on December 14, 1936, the second of eight children to Flora May (Pomeroy) and Beaton Smith.  Life in a large family was always interesting, but happy.

Patsy grew into an accomplished young woman starting work at a young age at the Brown Derby Restaurant in Grand Falls.  Once her younger sisters were of age, the girls moved to the big city of Toronto where they shared an apartment and Patsy worked at the Neilson Factory.   At some point, she reconnected with a young man from her hometown, Gerald Barker, and they married; this is when Patsy started travelling the world as a young Army wife and mother.  The family had two postings to Germany during which they travelled all over Europe, while still managing several trips home to Newfoundland.  In between the two postings to Germany, they lived in Quebec City and subsequently settled in and ultimately retired in Oromocto, NB.  Being an Army wife was a demanding life and often meant months alone keeping home and hearth together in foreign lands while her husband was on field maneuvers.  She never thought of this as a challenge; that was just Army life.  Once settled in Oromocto and her daughter grown, Patsy rejoined the paid workforce, in the Army base kitchens and at Pine Grove Nursing Home in Fredericton.  She also volunteered her time freely; at the Oromocto Hospital, for the Cancer Society Annual daffodil sale, and Meals on Wheels, to name a few. 

Patsy was an avid walker and until a few years ago, she also regularly went cross country skiing and snowshoeing. She also loved to bake, and her date squares were “the best ever” according to many. 

Upon the death of Gerald in 2023, Patsy relocated to Saint John to be closer to her daughter and son in law.  She lived in the Parkland Retirement Complex, where she was highly thought of by residents and staff and will be sadly missed.

In addition to her parents, Patsy was predeceased by: her husband Gerald Barker, brother Harold and wife Katherine, brother David (survived by Marie), sister Melvina (survived by Geoffrey), and brother Terrance.  She is survived by her daughter Michele and husband Anthony Flarow, sister Yvonne (late Peter Van der Gugten), sister Verna (late Earl Lewis), and brother Aubrey (Jacinta); as well as several close cousins, nieces and nephews.

If so desired, donations can be made to the Salvation Army, the Oromocto SPCA, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, (506-634-7424). Patsy will join her late husband, Gerald, in the Pioneer Gardens Cemetery (Oromocto, NB) on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM with a Celebration of Life to follow at the Oromocto Legion.