BARKER (Cook), Norma Gertrude

Of King’s Head, passed away peacefully at home, with family by her side, on December 14, 2019. Born and raised in Cookville, N.B., Mom was a graduate of Moncton High School, Provincial Normal School and Fredericton Business College. After teaching in Gagetown and Oromocto, Mom became actively involved assisting Dad in many construction projects and by managing the farm operations while Dad worked in Nova Scotia. In 1965 the family moved to New Glasgow. During her years there, she owned and operated Sunset Haven Home (Highcrest Place), served as secretary - treasurer of the family company Satellite Construction, and was also an active partner of Country Villa Park. As a member of Trinity United Church, she taught and supervised Sunday School, Explorers, C.G.I.T., and was a member of the U.C.W. In later years she transferred to Little Harbour Presbyterian Church where she was a member of the Ladies Aid. Mom had been an avid curler and a past president of the Bluenose Curling Club. She enjoyed a game of bridge, knitting, weaving, but especially she enjoyed time spent with her family, the many family gatherings at her home and the homes of her children. She created a tight-knit family, for which we are truly grateful. Mom loved stimulating conversation, music, a good laugh and fun times. She possessed a strategic wisdom, both in business and in life, and had a timely sense of compassion and loyalty. Mom was a pillar of support for all who knew her, especially her family. She was known as GG to her greatgrandchildren and was famous for her always-welcomed cinnamon rolls and brown bread. Mom loved the beach, the ocean, her walks with "Tilly dog" and the ever-changing scenes of the Northumberland Strait from her cherished home in King’s Head. From her, we learned the importance of hard work, manners, education, and civility. Mom was a lady through and through, a woman before her time. She is loved and will be greatly missed. Left to remember her strength and wisdom are son, Eric (Linda); daughters, Barbara (Stuart) Fraser, Marsha (Paul) Sobey; grandchildren, Matthew (Chantal) Barker, Carolyn (Wade) Sullivan, David Barker (Nicole), Bryna (Michael) Hatt, Ryan (Amy) Fraser, Olivia Kamp Sobey, Emma (Peter) Enman, Ian (Kaitlyn) Kamp; 12 great-grandchildren; close family friend, Keith MacKay; sister, Constance Fortman, Tara, Ont.; sister-in-law, Reva Cook, Sackville, N.B.; nieces and nephews. Mom was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Kenneth Leo in 2013; her parents, Fred and Hazel Cook; sister, Katherine Bryenton; brothers, Baxter and Frederick Cook; sister-inlaw, Shirley Cook and brotherin-law, Ken Fortman. Special thanks to Mom’s caregivers, Natasha Gale and Heather Young; also to Dr. Aaron Smith and Dr. Anne Kwasnik-Krawczyk. At Mom’s request, there will be no visitation or service. A family graveside committal service will be held in Church Brook Cemetery, Little Harbour. A reception for friends and family will be held on Wednesday, December 18th from 2-4 p.m. in Little Harbour Community Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mom’s honour may be made to Pictou County SPCA, PO Box 786, New Glasgow, NS B2H 5G2 or a charity of choice. Online condolences in care of R.H. Porter Funeral Home may be made by visiting: www.rhporter.ca