Obituary of Barbara Ann Leach

Barbara Ann Leach (née Bradshaw) passed away peacefully with family by her side at the cocktail hour on March 24, 2025, in Kitchener, Ontario. Beloved wife of William (Bill) Leach of 56 years and beautiful Mom to Tom (Carol), Lindsay (Keith), and Kate.

Loving Nana to Victoria (Ryan), Rebecca (Matt), Jeffrey (Lisa), Kate (Robbie), Andrew (Juul), and Ian (Olivia).

She was a magical and adoring great-grandmother known as NanaBB to Roan, Beckett, Harper, Mikaela, Remi, Ryder, Neko, Thies, and Hollis.

Barbara was the daughter of Earl James (Jimmy) and Adelaide Bradshaw of Toronto and was a loving sister to Jay (Ginnie), favourite aunt to Tracey and Greg, and the matriarch to the many fun loving Wilgar clan in particular Jimmy and ‘the other Barb’ and her cherished extended family, Lou and Helène Khoubesserian.

She attended Forest Hill Public School, Bishop Strachan School, and U of T where she met Bill. They were married in 1952, lived in Toronto, Montreal, back to Toronto, finally settling in Waterloo in 1989. She volunteered at The ROM when living in Toronto and later she and Bill were active with KW Symphony and St. John’s Kitchen.

Barbara was the elegant and consummate hostess. She was a history buff and a lover of literature. She worshipped the sun, with her summers spent on the shores of Georgian Bay and winters in Florida. She loved to travel and enjoyed many celebrations with her family and friends.

Her love, unfailing support and sweet nature touched us all. She enriched our lives beyond measure and will forever remain in our hearts. 

Our sincerest gratitude to the Freeport Palliative Care nurses and doctors for their compassionate care.

To the nursing team, friendly staff and friends at Luther Village we thank you.

If desired, donations may be made to St. John’s Kitchen (www.theworkingcentre.org).

A celebration of our Beautiful Barbara Ann will be held forthcoming.