With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. Barbara Teal (Barbara Ann Teal-Anderson) on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, at the age of 65 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Barb did not let her cancer diagnosis slow her down. She maintained a positive attitude throughout her illness and showed more concern for others than for herself. She maintained her wit and humour throughout.
Barb is survived by her husband of 36 wonderful years, Dale, their daughter Sally and son Brent, sister Susie and brothers Jeff (Mary) and Steve (Natalie) along with nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father Bernard and mother Audrey.
Barb was born in Hamilton, Ont., and grew up in Ancaster. She received her undergraduate degree from Western University and then completed her medical degree at McMaster University, ultimately practicing family medicine for over 30 years and was kind and compassionate and provided excellent patient care.
She began practicing in Cambridge and upon marriage relocated to Thunder Bay, where Barb and Dale's two children were born. In 1994, Barb and Dale returned to Ancaster, enjoying time between Ancaster, Collingwood, and boating on Georgian Bay.
Professionally, Barb was a pioneer in advancing electronic medical records and digital health solutions and embracing health apps to better support patient care. She was an adviser on provincial, national and vendor boards and committees and presented at national and international digital health conferences often in tandem with Dale as their careers often intermingled.
Barb was very active in various sports such as hockey, baseball, skiing, tennis, squash, windsurfing, sailing, and boating) and played in many leagues over her entire life, including Ancaster Ladies Three Pitch and Dofasco Women's Hockey leagues. She was a volunteer with Special Olympics alpine skiing and also was an assistant minor hockey coach for many years. Barb was an avid reader and enjoyed cooking and knitting. She travelled as much as possible. Boating was her happy place, but she was also very experienced having boated for most of her life. She had a great sense of humour, and most importantly she was a wonderful wife and mother.
Barb will be missed for her sense of humour, her compassion, and her positive attitude. For Sally, Barb was her key advocate, hockey and baseball teammate, and family game night opponent. For Brent, she was his chief copywriter for speeches, travel buddy, pen pal, and the one always texting "It's your mother, just checking in." Barb was insistent that we keep on exploring, travelling, and having fun, and we know she'll be right there with us in spirit.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Barbara to any of these options; Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice, Events for Life, Juravinski Cancer Centre, Special Olympics Ontario or T.E.A.D.
Family and friends are invited to sign the online book of condolence.