Longtime harness racing participant Barbara Ann Burgess of Cambridge, Ont. passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Sept. 17 at the age of 68 from complications of living with C.O.P.D.
Barbara will be missed by the Standardbred racing community as she often accompanied her husband, trainer David Burgess, and son Jody as they raced throughout Ontario.
When Barbara wasn't at the racetrack, she enjoyed attending car shows with David.
Barbara had a love for people and enjoyed her work as a server at the Pioneer Barbeque for 25 years. She also worked closely with her daughter Michelle at the Eagle St. Restaurant, Cambridge, which Michelle owned.
Beloved wife of David for 47 years. Loving mother of Shawna Burgess (Billy Stefura), Jody Burgess (Shannon Levely), Michelle Phanlouvong (Jeff Streit) and Terry Runnings from a previous marriage. Dear Nanny to Ashley, Gage, Thoune, Anthony, Tristyn, Zackery, Cloe, Liam and Sophie. Great-Nanny to Hendrix and Axel. Barbara will also be missed by her four legged companion Magnum. Dear sister of Ruth, Steven, Gloria, Heather, Donna, Cindy and Caroline. Predeceased by her brothers Roy and Roger, sister Sherry and brother-in-law Daniel Burgess. Barbara will be missed and remembered by her mother-in-law Mildred Burgess (late Dean), sisters-in-law Joyce and Linda and brother-in-law Leonard.
Barbara's family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. - 12:40 p.m. at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick St., Kitchener, Ont. A Celebration of life will take place in the chapel of the funeral home at 1 p.m. on Tuesday following by interment at Williamsburg Cemetery.
Masks are mandatory to attend both the visitation and the service. Please use the RSVP system on the funeral home website to confirm you attendance or call 519-749-8467. You may join the service via live stream. The live stream will start at 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday with a video tribute followed by the service at 1 p.m.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to Diabetes Canada would be appreciated by the family (cards may be placed at the funeral home or by calling 519-749-8467).
Visit henrywalser.com for Barbara's memorial.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Barbara Burgess.