Donna Evelyn (McTavish) Barton

BARTON, Donna Evelyn (nee McTavish)

July 9, 1945 - October 16, 2023

Donna Evelyn Barton passed away peacefully at her home in Brechin on Monday October 16, 2023 in her 79th year.  Beloved wife of Larry for 58 years, mother of Wayne (Hilda), Amy Klose (Paul), David (Sonia).  Loved and admired grandma to Malcolm, Kaija, Hannah, Emily, Megan and Indira.  Loving sister to Janet (Floyd), David (Elizabeth), Laurie (Ron), Rob (Debbie) and Sue.  Predeceased by siblings Heather (Fred), Donald (Sue) and Sandy (Sally).  Daughter of Duncan and Evelyn McTavish.  She was loved by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Donna’s adventure began in Uxbridge, where she attended Uxbridge Public School and Uxbridge Secondary School.  It is at USS where Donna and Larry became high school sweethearts.

She obtained her Registered Nursing Degree from Whitby Psychiatric Hospital.  Following graduation, she worked for several years as a psychiatric nurse, before moving back to Uxbridge, where she worked on the maternity ward of Uxbridge Cottage Hospital.  Donna then focused her caregiving skills on her three children, six grandchildren along with scores of nieces, nephews and friends.

As the children grew, the adventure moved a little north where Donna, Larry and family bought the Udora General Store and post office.  Here she led the whole family in operating and renovating the 150+ year old town landmark. It is here that her children were schooled in her art of connecting with people and serving her community.  She further immersed herself in community service including a major Lions Club project to build and decorate a new Udora Hall.

With the store established, Donna graduated to first mate, where she and her captain Larry traveled extensively by boat through the Trent-Severn waterways including Georgian Bay, Montreal and New York City.

After retiring and a brief stint in Victoria Corners, Donna and Larry moved to their cottage property in Brechin and built their final home on Lake Simcoe.  The adventures continued by boat in summer, by snowmobile from Winnipeg to the Gaspe in winter, by RV to Florida, California, Alaska and Newfoundland, and finally by cruise ship through the North West Passage. 

Donna was exceptionally creative and artistic.  Her home and gardens are a testament to her style. She celebrated the arrival of a new baby or wedding or new home, with a quilt.  Throughout Canada there are fortunate individuals who have received one of her patchworks of love and warmth. 

She loved the quiet of staring out onto Lake Simcoe with Larry (and a glass of wine) at what she regularly insisted was the best sunset in the world. She also loved opening her home to others, particularly for large family gatherings both on the McTavish and Barton side.  

To be in her sphere was to be welcomed, accepted and appreciated.  She will be missed by many.

Late in 2020, Donna would face her final adventure, when a persistent hoarse throat eventually led to an ALS diagnosis.  Even still Donna lived life to the fullest with dignity, grace, and courage.

The Barton Family would like to thank all of the dedicated medical professionals with Bayshore Health, ParaMed, ProResp, Dr Zinman and staff at Sunnybrook ALS clinic and Dr Jennifer Wilson and team at Uxbridge Health Centre.  Their professional and compassionate care for Donna, allowed for her to remain at home, surrounded by her family, throughout her ALS battle.

A memorial service will be held at Low & Low Funeral Home, 23 Main Street S., Uxbridge on Friday October 20, 2023 at 2:00 PM with visitation to commence at 12:30 PM.  A Celebration of Donna’s Life will follow at the Uxbridge Music Hall (across from the funeral home). If you are a Donna Quilt recipient please join us in adding your quilt to the display at the Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, donations to ALS Sunnybrook Sunnybrook's ALS Clinic  or to Uxbridge Cottage Hospital Foundation (Uxbridge Cottage Hospital Foundation) would be welcomed. Friends may send condolences to Donna’s family by visiting www.lowandlow.ca