The Chronicle Herald (Provincial)
Lia C. Barton
It is with broken hearts and deep love that we announce the sudden passing of our angel, Lia on April 6, 2020 in Bali, Indonesia, at the age of 44, after contracting Dengue Fever. Born in Halifax on December 19, 1975, she was a beloved daughter of Brad and Judy (Henry) Barton of Dartmouth; much loved sister of Jason (Angela) and Lezlie (Brian) States; loving godmother to Gia Fraser; cherished lifelong friend to Meaghan Fraser; a dear aunt, niece, cousin, and a loyal friend to many. She also leaves behind a grieving community with fond memories of her amazing spirit.
Lia graduated with a B.A from Acadia University, Wolfville; B.ED from Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, and a diploma in French from the University of Chicoutimi, Quebec City.
Upon graduation, Lia started her teaching career at Joseph Howe School in Halifax before venturing into the academic world of International Schools, first in Valencia, Spain, then Bishop Mackenzie School in Malawi, East Africa; International School of Basel, in Basel, Switzerland; and most recently, Sekolah Dyatimka School in Bali, Indonesia where she taught grades 4/5 at the time of her passing. Lia was deeply loved and respected by both her students and colleagues. She loved Bali, the people, the culture and of course, her students. In Bali, she had found her little piece of Paradise on Earth. Even so, Lia never forgot her roots and proudly displayed the Canadian Flag every chance she got during her many travels abroad as well as sharing the history and beauty of Nova Scotia.
Lia had an unquenchable thirst for wanderlust. This was evident from a very young age, when her reading material consisted primarily of encyclopedias, atlas journals and world almanacs. In her short life, she managed to travel to over 80 countries, most times solo, all of which were always on her ever evolving "bucket list". She lived life with an unquestionable ’’joie de vivre’’, that was centered around her family, (bringing tremendous joy to every gathering), career, adventure, independence, and truly living in the moment. And on hot, sunny days in Bali, she could often be seen relaxing by her pool or on the beach with a good book or a cool drink in her hand. Her laugh and sense of humour was infectious and she could captivate an audience with descriptive tales of her many escapades. Her perfect, wonderful smile could light up a room and will be forever missed.
A visionary and inspirational teacher, her love of children and teaching was evident every day. She was taken from us doing exactly what she loved, inspiring and motivating her students with a belief that she could make a positive difference in their young lives. Although she loved books and was well-read, enjoyed music (both modern and classical); fine dining, snorkeling, body fitness, trivia, shopping, Olympic sports (especially figure skating), it was salsa dancing that became her passion. Lia became a staple in the very vibrant salsa community in Indonesia where she excelled, attending week long "boot camps" and travelling to dance at the top salsa clubs on the Island.
Lia will be remembered as a beautiful, strong, fearless, captivating young woman who packed more experiences into her short life, and accomplished more than most people could ever imagine. With her huge personality, she left an impression on people from all over the globe who were fortunate enough to have met her. Lia lived life on her own terms. Our world is definitely a little darker, now that her light has extinguished.
Lia was predeceased by her grandparents, Deacon Bradford and Mary Barton, Jordantown, Digby; Hubert and Ruth Henry, Amherst; and Chester Barton, uncle from Montreal, Que.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its repercussions, the funeral service will be live-streamed at a later date with Rev. Dr. Rhonda Britton officiating. A celebration honoring Lia’s memory is also postponed. Contributions in Lia’s memory can be made to the Building Fund of New Horizons Baptist Church, Halifax; Acaciaville United Baptist Church, Acaciaville or the Black Educators’ Association of Nova Scotia’s Bursary Fund.
The family would like to sincerely thank everyone for their outpouring of love and unwavering support during this most difficult time in their lives.
Online condolences may be made by visiting:
www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com
Dartmouth Chapel. Gone from us that smiling face;
Her cheerful pleasant ways; The heart that won so many friends;
In by-gone happy days;
A life made beautiful by kindly deeds;
A helping hand for others’ needs; To a beautiful life came a sudden end; But she died as she lived
Everyone’s friend.