Barbara Langtvet departed peacefully, surrounded by her family at St. Francis Memorial Hospital, in her 92nd year. Predeceased by her son Christian James (June 2019) and her sister Margaret Peterson (September 2018), she leaves behind her sons Peter (Ritsuko Honda) and Ian, her nephews Peter Peterson (Barbara) of Pennsylvania, and Hugh Peterson of California, and her niece Anne Peterson (Lonnie King) of Hawaii.
Born in Montreal, to Peter Williamson and Laura Amy Young, Barbara grew up in North Bay and Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, on her family’s dual-purpose shorthorn cattle farm “Braerob.” After her marriage to Osmund Langtvet, she lived in London, Ontario, and for the last fifteen years of her life, on and off in Killaloe, close to her sons.
Barbara was a life-time learner. She received her degrees from McGill University and Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan, and her master’s degree in Art History from Western University. She also studied art in Norway, and modern dancing in London, Ontario. She designed and created unique contemporary clothes. Her batik dresses are in a collection at the Fashion History Museum in Cambridge, Ontario. Barbara was passionate about all sorts of arts and crafts, especially women’s handwork, and encouraged all levels of artists. She was supportive of preserving “good old” Canadian culture and history. Barbara was an avid reader all her life. She loved skiing, walking, listening to opera, horses and cows, the songs of spring peepers and wrens, exotic foods, hot tea and gardens — roses and hostas in particular.
We are deeply grateful to Dr. Atfield and his office, everyone at St. Francis Memorial Hospital and the staff at Marianhill for their dedicated, compassionate care. We also send our gratitude to Champlain LHIN and Madawaska Valley Hospice for the excellent, caring support we received. We truly appreciate all the PSWs and nurses of Barry’s Bay and Area Senior Citizens Home Support Services for their amazing care, given with love, respect and smiles. Their daily visits helped make the last part of Barbara’s life very meaningful and enjoyable. We thank our friends and neighbours who provided us with warm and heartfelt support over the years.