WHITEHEAD, Barbara Joan (nee Mills)

It is with a mixture of sadness and joy that the family of Barbara Joan Whitehead (Mills) announce her passing on May 18th of this year. A strong, loving and compassionate woman, Mom will be deeply missed. She reached the ripe old age of 90, commenting on her health, “This is what I get for living to 90!” The last few months were difficult. In the end, Mom’s passing was a joyful release. Many thanks to the caring staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Thunder Bay Regional. They did everything they could to help Mom.

Barbara was born October 25th, 1935, in Michipicoten Harbour near Wawa, Ontario. Life in the old Tenement House at the Harbour was difficult but full of love. Mom’s family was big – 11 brothers and sisters! The family later moved to Wawa. Mom worked in admin at the local mine, at a bank in Marathon and at the paper mill in Thunder Bay where she met her future husband, Don Whitehead.

The newlyweds enjoyed a spectacular honeymoon in Jamaica following their September 1962 wedding at St. Paul’s United Church. Don and Barbara eventually settled at their home where they raised their two boys. The family spent decades as active members at St. Paul’s. For years, Mom hosted the choir between services on Christmas Eve, putting out a delicious spread!

The family spent many memorable summers camping across Canada, canoeing and enjoying the great outdoors. Mom was an avid cross-country skier enjoying many years skiing at Pine Top. Trips to Wawa to stay with Gram and visit the whole family are the source of many wonderful memories. There were also great trips to Barrie visiting mom’s sister and family and to Toronto visiting Dad’s mom and sister.

Mom’s many friends and neighbours brightened her life over the years. Special thanks to Lynn Almquist for her wonderful care of Mom in February 2026 while Joel travelled to New Zealand. Mom’s joy and strength was evident on FaceTime which made her hospital admission in late February a complete surprise. Also, thanks to close friend Janet Vanderwey for making recent Christmas Eves an event mom remembered and looked forward to each year. Finally special thanks for Murray Marquis’ friendship over the years. As they say in Newfoundland, Mom and Murray could talk the leg off an iron pot!

Mom’s love and compassion were awe-inspiring. Her strength and determination protected both herself and her loved ones over the decades.

Barbara is survived by her sons Joel and Jeff, sisters Mabel and Betty and her sister-in-law Joan; also, many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Private interment has taken place at Sunset Memorial Gardens beside Dad. At Mom’s request, no memorial service will be held.