Obituary of Barbara Wintermute

With great sadness, the family of Barbara Jane Wintermute (née Short) announces her peaceful passing at home in her 81st year. She remained active to her last day, even being recognized as a 40th anniversary Charter Member of the Belmont Lioness Club on Monday. She was the cherished wife of Claire for 61 years, the loving mother of Sharon Shackleton (Bruce) and Doug Wintermute, and the beloved grandmother of Laura and Christopher Shackleton and Kate and David Wintermute. She will be fondly remembered by her nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was predeceased by her parents Charlie and Margaret (Henderson) Short, and her siblings-in-law Ruby & Ernie Miles, Eva & Karl Bartley, Ray & Doris Wintermute, Jack & Marion Wintermute, and Harry Wintermute. Born in London, Ontario, she worked at her father’s store on Ashland Avenue and made her way to work at McCormick’s, where she met Claire and her lifelong friend Glenna Orton. After their wedding and the birth of their daughter, she and Claire moved into Belmont, first with and then directly next door to her mother-in-law. Belmont would be her home for the rest of her life as she made many contributions to the life of the community. She worked at the Post Office and then the Village of Belmont with her good friend Kae Barons, and continued to work at the amalgamated Central Elgin for 15 years before her retirement. She earned her status as an institution in her own right, known as “Aunt Barb” or “Grandma” to many. Throughout her life, Barbara was an impassioned and dedicated volunteer. For Belmont United Church, she served as long term treasurer and secretary, and regularly opened the church and adjusted the thermostat for services. She wore her United Church Women pin proudly and earned the Regional Outstanding Woman Award for her contributions. She was also a Charter Member and Past President of the Belmont Lioness Club, leading and supporting the organization for the good of all in the community. She was awarded the prestigious Helen Keller Award in recognition of her service. Her dedication to tasks like turning on and off the Belmont Christmas light display inspired a spirit of service that will live on. Her remarkable commitment to collecting Belmont’s history has resulted in a closet full of scrapbooks of the life of the Village. Many community and family events were improved by the presence of her baking; cookies, shortbread, and highly sought-after butter tarts were favourites. She was an active traveller, joining family and friends on trips to the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Branson Missouri, as well as annually to the Pickerel River. In her proudest role as grandmother, she enthusiastically supported and attended graduations, games, recitals, school trips and more. She will be deeply missed. Friends are invited to call at the H.A. Kebbel Funeral Home, Aylmer, for visitation on Friday January 17, from 2-4 and 7-9pm where the funeral service will be held on Saturday January 18, 2020 at 10am. A Lioness Service will take place prior to visitation at 6:30pm on Friday. Private interment will take place at Dorchester Cemetery, with reception to follow at Belmont United Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Belmont United Church or the Belmont Community Park (Box 128, Belmont, N0L 1B0) would be appreciated. Share memories or condolences at kebbelfuneralhome.com