It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of Barbara Curzon. Barbara died in the early hours of September 30, 2023 at the age of 85.
Barbara was born in Derby, England on September 2, 1938 to Edith and Bill Woodford. In 1964 she emigrated to Canada with her first husband where she started her family having her two daughters, Emma Perozzo (Dave) and Rebecca Tucker (Tony).
When her first marriage ended, she briefly went back to England to be with family but soon decided she loved Canada and wanted to raise her daughters there where they were born. So although she was alone and it was difficult, she came back to Canada and created a great life for the three of them.
In 1977 she met her true love and life partner, David Curzon while working in a temporary position at John F. Ross C.V. I. where David was a teacher. They were married on October 6, 1978 and Barabara’s family of three instantly became a family of 7 adding Christine Curzon (d. 2000), Sarah Curzon-Gerrish and Greg Curzon (Margaret). Barbara and David would have celebrated their 45th anniversary this year.
Although Barbara worked in a variety of positions, she returned to school after her children were grown and became a United Church Minister. She served congregations in Oakville, Melbourne, North Ekfrid, Stone and Rockwood as well as summer services in Sauble Beach. In her ministry, she performed many marriages (including several of her own children’s and other family members), baptisms (her grandchildren included) and funerals. Barbara was well known as an on-call chaplain at the Guelph General Hospital helping families deal with loss like her own family is now.
Of all her accomplishments Barbara was most proud of her grandchildren, Daniel (Dylan), Nicholas (Mau) and Madeline Perozzo, Caleb (Lori) and Jordan Tucker, Evan Curzon, Paul, Ashley, Jasmine and Annie Rockery. She loved hearing about their goals and accomplishments and looked forward to their visits and just spending time with them. Talking of her grandchildren always brought a smile to her face.
Barbara is survived by her brother and sister in law in England, John and Pat Woodford, her nephew Matthew Woodford (Mel), her niece Laura Woodford and her great nephew and great niece, Harry and Ellie Owen. She will be remembered by her brother in law, Rob Brown. She is also survived by several great grandchildren and other family here and abroad. Through her life and ministry, Barbara touched a lot of lives and will be missed tremendously.
As per her wishes, no funeral will be held and a private burial with family will take place at a natural burial ground (also Barbara’s wishes) part way to the cottage where she loved spending summers. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 29, 2023 between 1:00-4:00 pm at Cutten Fields (190 College Ave. E., Guelph). Arrangements entrusted to WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com).
Throughout her life, Barbara was a champion for the disadvantaged. Although she didn’t always have the financial resources, she seemed to find other ways to contribute and make a difference.
For those who are able to, donations in remembrance of Barbara can be made to KidsAbility or Sunrise Therapeutic Riding Centre otherwise simply be kind to others in remembrance of her.
A tree will be planted in memory of Barbara Curzon in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.