Skip to content

Barbara Mae ‘Barb’ Wall

October 21, 2020

April 24, 1948 – October 21, 2020

After a heroic seventeen-year battle with metastatic breast cancer, Barb left us peacefully at home, surrounded by family and on her own terms. She is survived by her husband and best friend of 52 years, Peter; adoring daughter Jen and son-in-law Jeremy Roller; and cherished grandchildren, Jeremiah and Jamisen Roller, who gave her so much joy. Barb also leaves behind a host of loving family and friends, too many to name. She was predeceased by her beloved son John and her parents Doug and Mary Tiffin.

Her long, courageous battle was facilitated by the loving, professional care of many dedicated doctors, nurses and health care workers at the London Regional Cancer Program. We are especially grateful for the exemplary care of Dr. Kylea Potvin, and also Dr. Melissa Johnson, Dr. Inderdeep Dhaliwal, Dr. Maria Parent, Dr. David D’Souza and Dr. David Ballingall. For many years these wonderful health care professionals gave Barb a much longer and less bumpy road to travel. More recently, Dr. Susan and Dr. Jim Maclean, family physicians, have been a blessing.

Barb had an incredible way of endearing herself to everyone she met. She could be so very kind and gentle and yet she was incredibly strong. Her ongoing battle was not noticeable to most but inside she fought so very hard right up to the end. Her beautiful smile, her engaging manner, her wonderful sense of humour, her hearty and mischievous laugh, her heart of gold, and her sensitive, loving concern for all, will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

         Mary Elizabeth Frye

Watch for the butterflies!

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Barb’s Life will be held when COVID-19 protocols allow for a gathering befitting her many family and friends.

Those wishing to make a donation in Barb’s memory are asked to consider the John Wall Scholarship, C/O Thames Valley Education Foundation, 1250 Dundas Street, London, ON, N5W 5P2, Attn.: Jane Winsky. 

Leave a tribute for Barbara Mae ‘Barb’ Wall

Leave a tribute

  • Accepted file types: jpg, png, gif, Max. file size: 2 MB.

(Donated to John Wall Scholarship)

~ Bob & Mary McLean

Peter, Jen & Family. Sorry for the late response but I have been away. Our sincere condolences to all. I have many fond memories of Barb particularly in the early years starting out our young lives just down the street from each other.

~ Al Hewitt & Jean

Barb was one of the people who you know is just genuine when you met her. She was genuinely kind, and had a good soul, which she passed down to you Jen. We are very sorry for you all for the loss of such an amazing person who was so important to you, and as she made it clear you were to her too that was for sure! We know she is most definitely watching over you all. We love you, Kate & John

~ Kate & John Croke

(Donated to John Wall Scholarship)

~ Marge Blokker

(Donated to John Wall Scholarship)

~ Norm & Lynda Camp

(Donated to John Wall Scholarship)

~ Roger and Karen Matte

(Donated to John Wall Scholarship)

~ Ron and Barb

(Donated to John Wall Scholarship)

~ Joanne Garside

(Donated to John Wall Scholarship)

~ Lorraine Martin

(Donated to John Wall Scholarship)

~

Peter, please accept our deepest condolences to you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss. Debbie and Wayne Brereton

~ Wayne and Debbie Brereton

(Donated to John Wall Scholarship)

~ Bob & Allyn Lamb

(Donated to John Wall Scholarship)

~ Sandra Roller

(Donated to John Wall Scholarship)

~ Mary Davis

(Donated to John Wall Scholarship)

~ Gwen Roller

(Donated to John Wall Scholarship)

~ George & Judy Clark

(Donated to John Wall Scholarship)

~ Glen Bell

(Donated to John Wall Scholarship)

~ Donna Bray

(Donated to John Wall Scholarship)

~ Larry and Linda Cottell

I know you are heartbroken. I am also and so sorry for your loss. Barb was a strong and gentle lady. My sincere condolences

~ Donna Bray (previous T2L7 / C7 / LRCP staff)

Dear Peter - My sincere condolences to you and your Family. Barb will be remembered. Barb was a fun loving person. Ann Donnelly

~ ann donnelly

You were the loving mother of two of the greatest friends anyone could have. Your wonderful smile and amazing laugh will live on forever. Your son is back in your arms but you will be missed by so many. You have fought so hard. It was always so obvious to me you were the most loving mother and husband by how much love, you and your wonderful Pete have given all of your children's friends and families. You were very special, your beautiful sole will live on in you daughters eyes.

~ Shawn Parsons

Barb was an incredible women who had the biggest heart. Anyone who came across her have been touched by her kindness and big heart. We were truly blessed to have had you in all of our lives. Sending Pete, Jen, Jeremy, Jeremiah and Jamisen our deepest condolences, love Dave and Brandi

~ Brandi and Dave Lee

Peter, I would like extend my sincere condolences to you and your family, in your loss. Barb was a great lady.

~ Bob French

we are so sorry to hear of your mother's passing, even though we never knew your mother , we always heard of her through our son Shawn. He thought very highly of her and the family. I pray that God will help you through the coming days , God Bless you all.

~ SYLVIA & LAL PARSONS

May the constant love of family and friends bring you comfort and peace. Peter and Jen, may you find peace and joy with each butterfly that passes you by- and they will. Thoughts are with you all.

~ Mary Davis

Dear Peter and Jen I think of your family often since we met during John's illness. My deepest condolences for the loss of Barb. She was an amazing woman with a huge heart and much strength. She had an ability to make everyone feel cared for. I wish you peace in your memories. Bev

~ Bev Lewis

We were blessed to have Barb as a friend. Even as she battled cancer herself, she was always full of care and concern for others. She handled her fight with enduring courage. Barb was a one of a kind, a special lady, whose company, love, and laughter will be sorely missed. Our heartfelt sympathy to Peter and family. Ken & Pat Needham

~ Pat&ken Needham

Dear Peter and family - our sincere sympathies for your loss. Barb was definitely one of a kind and golfing with her was always a great pleasure. A definite sweetheart.

~ Wendy and David Foster

Peter, Jen & Family, we are so sorry for your loss. You're in our thoughts. We wish you healing and peace....

~ Rick & Lorraine Martin

Pete, Jen and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Memories of Barb take us back to her great laugh in our fun Whiteoaks days! We are thinking of you.

~ Mary and Jim Campbell

Peter, Jen, Jeremy, and grand kids, Our condolences to you all. You have one another to lean on for support as well as many other family and friends. Our thought are with you all. I have so many good memories of Barb (one being her bridal shower) and the time you both came to visit us in Nova Scotia and I was introducing you to our friends from Guelph and was at a loss to remember my cousin's name but remembered your name! She is with you where ever you are. Hugs to you all!

~ Margaret and Roger Sarty

My heart goes out to you Pete, Jen, Jeremy, Jeremiah and Jamisen. I remember my first meeting with Barb and I felt so at ease in her presence. She had the biggest heart and with that she had a sincere desire to want know everything about you and really cared. Barb was one special lady who I am blessed to have known. Randy and I are sending our deepest condolences to all of you along with our love. May the wonderful memories of Barb comfort all of you during this very difficult time. Hugs to everyone.

~ Debby Trendell & Randy Smith

We were very saddened to hear about Barb's passing. She was a great lady and a wonderful neighbour. We will always remember her kindness and optimism. Our deepest condolences to Peter, Jen and the entire family.

~ Doina, George and Jon Popi

I met Barb when I was a nurse on the unit where her amazing son John spent far too much time in his brave battle. What an incredibly warm, beautiful woman Barb was - beautiful inside and out. How bereft you all must be! My deepest condolences, Marge Blokker

~ MargeBlokker

I only met Barb in her final weeks, yet it felt like I had known her forever. What a brave, beautiful warrior she was. We are all better people for having known her, no matter how long. Our love and prayers are with you Peter, Jenn, Jeremy, JJ and Miss Jama.

~ Vicki Petruzella

Peter and Jen and family - we send our sympathies and best wishes. Barb made her mark on this world and will be remembered as such a kind and giving soul. L&M

~ Larry & Maureen Cunliffe

We're so sorry for your loss. Our condolences on behalf of the Palser family. Love you guys & we're thinking of all of you.

~ Rich Palser

Make a donation

If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.

John Wall Scholarship

Notify family of your donation

Kindly submit the form below if you wish to notify the family of your donation.