Barbara Gaizauskas

Barbara Ruth Gaizauskas

1929-2018

Passed away on June 13, 2018 of complications arising from a 2week struggle with congestive heart failure, one day shy of her 89th birthday. Predeceased by her parents Elroy Creeper (Owen Sound) and Ruth Witchall (Toronto). Cherished wife of Victor Gaizauskas for 64 years, loving mother of Robert John (Emma Jane Barker) of Sheffield, U.K., proud grandmother of Leo William John Gaizauskas and Elizabeth Anne Gaizauskas. A vivacious, intelligent, independent, and adventurous lady who had the facility to attract many friendships, Barbara was intensely curious about all aspects of life, from her natural surroundings to personal relationships. An early fling with astronomy gave way to an enduring commitment to serious music. After earning her ARCT diploma she taught piano in her private home to scores of young students from Nepean and west Ottawa. Her devout belief that music was vital to the development of human potential led to her dedicated involvement over many years in musical activities at the Kiwanis Music Festival, the Ottawa West Junior Music Club, and the Music Department at Carleton University. There will be no funeral. Her cremated remains will be interred in Balsam Grove Cemetery near her beloved summer cottage at Oliphant, Ontario, on the Bruce Peninsula. A celebration of her life will be arranged at a date to be specified in August 2018 at the First Unitarian Church, 30 Cleary Ave., Ottawa. In recognition of her humane treatment at the Ottawa Heart institute, her family would appreciate donations in her memory to that outstanding institution.