Obituary of Barbara Dempsey

Barbara Ann DEMPSEY(nee JOHNSTON)December 18, 1928 - June 10, 2017Passed away, surrounded by family, at Southlake Hospital in Newmarket, stemming from complications starting with a fall six weeks ago. She will be dearly missed and remembered by her devoted husband of 68 years James G. Dempsey of Dempsey Brothers Hardware in Willowdale. Loving mother of Janet Avey (Tedd), Jimmy (Sue), John (Gail), Kevin (Veda) and Colleen. Dear grandmother of 15 grandchildren: Jamie (Angela), Ryan (Sandi), Sean, Brendan (Melissa), Fiona, Bryan, Shannon, Christopher, Michael (Suzy), Mathew (Krista), Colin (Ainsley), Tyler (Stephanie), Catherine, Margaret, Rory; and great-grandmother of 9: Brianna, Logan, Nolan, Lachlan, Douglas, Claire, Joseph, Connor and George. Sister of Hugh "Chubby" Johnston MD, of Brantford, Ontario. Longtime snowbirds at Ranchero Village, Largo, Florida for almost 30 years. Many enjoyable summers at cottages on Lake Simcoe and then Parry Sound. Barb was part of Toronto''s Greatest Generation. Her family came to Ontario from New York in 1777. Her father at 17 was a gunner in WWI France. Her grandmother moved to London during that war to be nearer to her only son. She grew up in the Depression, polio scares, WWII and the Cold War. Mom had a zest for life and enthusiasm for travel, good friends, her lunch bunch, family and red wine. She kept current and was always looking forward to her next adventure. She will be lovingly remembered and missed by all. Barbara was a lifetime believer in the good work of The Salvation Army. By Barbara''s personal wish, all services will be held in private. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the North York Salvation Army would be appreciated and may be done at R. S. Kane Funeral Home, 6150 Yonge St., Toronto, or www.salvationarmy.com. Online tributes at www.rskane.ca. Good Bye Mom, we will miss you.