Tributes to woman who was ‘a huge inspiration’

Barrie Thom of Auchterarder was devoted to family and respected in community

A family has paid a loving tribute to a “caring and devoted” gran and mum after the 93-year-old died following a short battle with coronavirus.

Barrie (Barbara) Thom was wellknown in Auchterarder as a serving elder at the parish church for nearly 40 years. She was also a popular and muchloved employee at Ochil Tower School, were she worked until she was 91.

Barrie died at St Margaret’s Community Hospital earlier this week after being diagnosed with Covid-19. Her death was the first linked to the virus in the local authority area since June 9.

Her family said she would be remembered as an “inspirational” woman.

She leaves behind two daughters, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Terri Gow told The Courier her grandmother was a “very well-known and respected character” in the area.

She said: “Barrie was a caring and devoted mum, nana and great ga ga.

“She was always there for us in any way we needed her to be.

“We will miss her greatly and are thankful for the long and healthy life she led that allowed us all to make lots of fantastic memories that we will cherish forever.

“Barrie was a huge inspiration and adopted mum to many voluntary co-workers who travelled from all over the world to work for a year or more at Ochil Tower.”

Originally from Aberdeenshire, Barrie moved to Auchterarder with her beloved late husband James in 1950 and became an active member of the community.

The couple soon became members of the parish church where they were responsible for setting up and running the youth club.

As well as her work with the school and church, Barrie was a member of the Woman’s Guild and served as its secretary and president over the years.

She was also president of Auchterarder Horticultural Society, a member of the local history association, Royal British Legion and WRI.

Barrie’s family said they wanted to thank the staff at Parkdale Care Home where she had been a resident for two years and the team at St Margaret’s Community Hospital where she died.

Terri said the care and love for all of the residents at Parkdale was outstanding. “Nana had an amazing two years filled with lots of activities, trips and even a holiday,” she said.

“We would like to extend our greatest thanks also to St Margaret’s Hospital in Auchterarder.”

Barrie Thom, seen with granddaughter Terri Gow, has died aged 93 after a short battle with coronavirus.