Barbara Joy Clarke

Barbara Clarke was born to parents Gisela Neumann and Joseph Milankovic on August 3, 1943 in Rotenburg an der Wűmme, in northern Germany. Despite tough economic times, she had a happy childhood and loved visiting with her Oma (Grandma) and Opa (Grandpa).

In 1952 at the age of 8, Barbara moved with her mother, father and sister, Brigitte, from Germany to Toronto for a better life. She and her family finally settled in the High Park neighborhood. Barbara had a few challenging years learning English and integrating into the Canadian culture, but was grateful.

In 1959 at age 16, she met Barry on a double date with Barry’s best friend. They fell in love and together they enjoyed dining out, going to drive-ins, visiting Niagara Falls and spending time at Wasaga Beach. Barbara and Barry eventually married in 1963 at Fairbank Presbyterian Church in Toronto. They spent the early years of their marriage travelling in New England, camping and enjoying each other’s company.

After high school, Barbara graduated from Western Tech and Commerce and worked briefly with Canadian Surety and the United Church of Canada before accepting a position with Litton Systems. She was an executive secretary for many years and specialized in shorthand notetaking and overseeing office activities.

In 1967, Barbara gave birth to Paul Clarke and later in 1970 to Steven Clarke. Barbara stayed home to be a full-time mother and care for her two children. She enjoyed and took great pride in taking care of the home.

Barbara loved to cook and bake, and her meals and baked goods were famous. Her kids often requested homemade goodies, such as her apple crisp, banana bread, cherry deluxe cheesecake, stir fries, lemon mouse, zucchini bake, bran muffins, brownies, Christmas pudding, shepherd’s pie, and French onion soup. Her recipe for oatmeal cookies was even published in the Toronto Star. Barbara compiled a book of her recipes for her sons to continue her culinary legacy.

One of Barbara’s passions was gardening. She took great pride in planting and nurturing her vegetable and flower gardens. Yellow roses were her favorite, but she enjoyed all flowers and plants, especially those that bloomed.

Barbara loved to dance. Barbara and Barry often went out for an evening of dinner and dancing, and Barbara especially enjoyed the many dinners and dances at Barry’s company.

Another of Barbara’s passions was writing. In 1996, she authored and published “How to have Amazing Kids”, and continued her passion with a cookbook and additional parenting articles. She also authored articles on how to live a happy and joyful life.

Barbara loved to travel and travelled all over the world. To date, she has visited 42 countries. Her favorite part of the world was the Caribbean. She would tell Barry where she wanted to go and then researched and organized the entire trip

Barbara had a strong faith in God, and cherished her church and church community. In her twenties, she was a Sunday school teacher. Barbara was always active in living and promoting a life of love in Christ and a belief in God.

Barbara was a proud Canadian of German heritage. She loved welcoming people to her home and always looked forward to seeing friends and family. She made every holiday a special time for her husband and children. She had an amazing smile and great laugh, and her personality lit up a room. She was creative, enthusiastic, determined and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was caring, compassionate and loved others and God with a full heart.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Barry; her children, Paul and Steven; her grandchildren, Alexis and Cole, and many extended family members.

Her friendly, sunny personality and spirit will be greatly missed, but will live on forever in our memories