Barbara Rether-Lightizer

It is with great sadness that the family of Barbara Lynne Rether-Lightizer announce her passing. Barb died peacefully at home on October 29, surrounded by loved ones after a long battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband Keith, daughters Kara (Harry) and Shawna (Alex), step-daughters Kate (Franco) and Sarah, mother Louise, and brothers Brad (Ria) and Doug. She is predeceased by her father John. 

Barb was born November 2, 1961 in Exeter, a community that was close to her heart. She grew up in Ottawa where she attended Gloucester High School and Algonquin College. In 1995, she moved to Elliot Lake where she raised her two daughters and developed a large and loving circle of friends over 25 years. Lately, Barb and Keith built their jewelry business, Kissed by a Hammer, in the culmination of her lifelong dream to work as an artist.

Barb’s greatest joy in life was being a Mom. She was immensely proud of her daughters, step-daughters, and the many others she provided love and guidance to over the years. She was known for her great love of music and singing, her ability to fix anything, her sweet smile and boisterous laugh. In recent years, she enjoyed spending summers in Kagawong on Manitoulin Island where she met many wonderful friends. Barb lived a life of service to others - she was a loving friend, a pillar of support, and an inspiration for many people. 

We would like to thank the many friends who have supported and loved her over the years. We would also like to thank her doctors and the team at Bayshore, especially her nurses; Liz, Navi, Cindy and Suzanne. We are infinitely grateful for the years of love and kindness they shared with Barb.

A celebration of Barb’s life will be held in late November with additional details to be announced. Please contact her family for details. In lieu of flowers a donation to local charities would be appreciated.