BARBARA BAYS

Barbara Bays (nee Nelson) died in Ottawa on April 28, 2026, at the age of 101. A longtime resident of Oakville, Ontario, Barbara was raised in Moose Jaw and was a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan. In 1947, she married Neil Bays, and over 48 years spent in Oakville, they were faithful members of Central Baptist Church and enjoyed travel, curling, cross-country skiing, and square dancing. Barbara was an expert quilter, winning awards and teaching, and was one of the founders of the Oakville Quilters Guild. She is survived by her daughters, Diane (Tom) and Eileen (Warren); five grandchildren, Hilary Busing, Eleanor Busing, Gregory Coutts, Evelyn Coutts, and Geoffrey Coutts; and seven great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held in Ottawa in early June. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Médecins sans Frontières or Matthew House Ottawa.