Barbara Lawson

Barbara Evelyn (nee Lawson) Reesor C.M., O.T. (C)
April 24,1925 – October 15, 2015

Barbara Lawson – Reesor passed away peacefully on October 15, 2015 at the Civic Hospital in Ottawa. She was predeceased by her husband John Reesor (2006) as well as her brothers Doug Lawson (2015) and Wyburn Lawson (1993). Her remaining brother, Tom Lawson (Pat Lawson), and three children; Patricia Reesor, Gordon Reesor (Teresa Kelly) and Sheila Reesor (Roger Wetherall), will carry on without her, along with her grandchildren Nicole Rochford (Dan Furlan), Alexa Rochford, Ken Rochford and Dresden Wingert-Reesor and great grandchildren Brody Rochford and Eleanor Furlan.

Barbara was passionate about life, music, the arts, animals, sports, languages and so much more. She was a pioneer in the world of occupational therapy and co-founder of OCOTS (Ottawa Carleton Occupational Therapy Services). For many years, she worked tirelessly as a volunteer on behalf of blind, multi-handicapped adults. To that end, she was a founding member and past president of TELCI House (Therapeutic and Education Living Centres Incorporated). In 1984, she was awarded the Order of Canada in recognition for this work.

A true believer in education, Barbara received her Occupational Therapy degree at The University of Toronto. She was a graduate of the Banff School of Fine Arts in Portrait and Landscape painting and McGill University in music. She also studied art under Henri Masson and Robert Hyndman. She taught Art and French at Ashbury College.

Barbara was also an accomplished musician (piano, violin, mandolin), teacher, artist, author and sports enthusiast. She was a member of The Hall of Distinction at Havergal College ~ 1944, and author of the bestselling book Coffee on Sundays.

Beyond all of this, she and her husband John, a geologist, were outdoor enthusiasts. They made sure the entire family knew how to ski by the time they could walk and spent many summers in British Columbia, climbing mountains, camping and hiking on their own and with the family. Barbara was also an accomplished equestrian and enjoyed repeated cycling trips touring through Europe and New Zealand.

Most of all, Barbara loved her family and wanted to spend as much time with all of them as possible. She did that for 90 years. For the many people she taught, influenced, laughed with, encouraged, supported and loved, she will truly be missed.

Thank you to the caring staff at the Ottawa Civic Hospital and a special thank you to Retire At Home.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial reception at the

Garden Chapel of the Tubman Funeral Home
3440 Richmond Rd., Nepean

on Sunday, November 1st from 2-4 p.m. In memory of Barbara please consider a donation to the Ottawa Humane Society. Donations, condolences and tributes may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com

"Believe and act as if it is impossible to fail." ~ Charles F. Kettering