Obituary of Ms. Florence Barbara Pinto

Florence Barbara Pinto, or Barbie as she was affectionately known, entered eternal life at the age of 89 on November 13, 2023 at Birchmount Hospital in Scarborough.

She was born on June 10, 1934 in Kotte, Sri Lanka to Moragodage Peter Vincent Pinto and Gertrude Miriam Pinto.

Barbara often bore the weight of the world on her shoulders. Fiercely independent and reliable, she was the rock her family leaned on in times of crisis—the first of which came at aged 10, following the death of her father. She had a strong sense of duty and an overwhelming desire to help others. When her sister was left behind in war-torn Sri Lanka, Barbara worked tirelessly to bring her and her children to Canada. And when a stroke left her mother immobile, Barbara retired early to lovingly care for her mother at home until she was called to eternal rest 14 years later.

She is survived by her siblings Joseph, Lilian and Esther (Frederick); along with her nieces and nephews, Peter, Anthony, Martin, Bernadette, Lloyd, George, David, Sharmal, Veronica, Shiromi, Tony, Samantha, Jamilah, Christian, Michael and Michelle.

Barbara is predeceased by her sisters Merle and Rose, as well as her nephew Luke.

She was a remarkable woman, well-known for her strong will, sharp wit, strength and resourcefulness. Her memory lives on in the hearts and minds of those who loved her.

The family wishes to thank the relatives, friends, clergy and spiritual community that supported Barbara in her final years, along with the frontline healthcare workers at Birchmount Hospital, who cared for her in her final hours.