Obituary of Barbara McKenna

McKenna, Barbara Our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Barbara Alice Starr McKenna was surrounded by her family when she died in the early hours of 9 October 2009, University Hospital, London in her 83rd year. Born at the corner of Raglan and Pine, Aylmer, her death came unexpectedly for someone who was robust in health until her very last days, a cherished member of her community, a tireless visitor of shut-ins, a sacrificial supporter and participant in causes of justice, peace and the protection of creation. Having lost seventeen years ago the love of her life, Arlington Ward McKenna, Barbara devoted her days to her church, Aylmer Baptist, her neighbours near and far and her family. To Emily, Gillian, Steven and Cassandra she was Gram; to Owen (6 ½ ) and Morgan (15 months), Great Gram. To Gardner Ward and his wife, Liz, LeeAnn and David Starr and his wife, Vicki, Barbara was loving mother, teacher, mentor, companion, guide. She pursued her love of things political and academic and her love of Jesus as citizenship court judge, lecturer in Canadian History at the University of Western Ontario, development and election monitor in Eritrea, Ethiopia, El Salvador, Brazil, Bolivia, Rwanda and Kenya. Her home was one of hospitality for all generations, alive with books and music. We will miss her. Visitation at H.A. Kebbel Funeral Home, Aylmer, 2:00 - 4:-00 and 7:00 - 9:00 on Monday, funeral at Aylmer Baptist Church, corner of Pine and John Street South on Tuesday 13 October, at 11:00 a.m., Rev'd Cam Watts. Expressions of condolence can be sent to kebbelfuneralhome.com. Donations can be made to Aylmer Baptist Church or the Stephen Lewis Foundation.