Barbara Anne (née Biggart) DOWDS

Barbara Anne Dowds (née Biggart) passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, at the age of 81. Born in 1945 to Basil Godfrey Biggart and Doris Isobel Redwood, she was the beloved wife of the late Garry Gillon Dowds (1936-2006). She is survived by her daughter Kimberley (Nick), granddaughter Madeline, step-grandson Luka, step-grandchild Sam, sister-in-law Lorrie, niece Katherine (Gareth), and nephew Andrew (Barb). Barbara was predeceased by her beloved brother Raymond, Aunt Beatrice, and Aunt Shirley. Throughout her life, Barbara dedicated herself to volunteering and community service, earning her Gold Cord in Girl Guides and later becoming a leader and Area Coordinator. She also worked as an office manager at Imperial Life Insurance and held various other roles, including GENI sales representative, licensed insurance agent, and 'Craft Lady' at Cedarbrook Lodge in Scarborough. Barbara received a Volunteer of the Year Award from the Town of Scarborough in the 1970s and chaired GIPS, a parent committee she helped found. She was also passionate about the Toronto/Peel Post Polio Group, helping to give voice and community to survivors. In 2006, Ontario March of Dimes honoured her dedication.