McKee (nee Page), Barbara Elizabeth
On Saturday, November 8th, 2025 Barbara Elizabeth McKee (nee Page), aged 72, passed away peacefully after an intense and sudden battle with cancer. Born on July 16th 1953 in Sherbrook Quebec, Barb and her family moved to Hamilton, Ontario as a young child. Finally settling in in Cambridge, Ontario, Barb’s rich and full life was always filled with joy. No matter the challenge or obstacle, Barb would simply say, “It will all work out”. Even with her difficult diagnosis, Barb always managed to see the best of the situation and lived every moment with purposeful attention to those she loved.
Her life was dedicated to serving others. Through her time at Trinity Anglican Church, The Vinyard in Cambridge, an Early Childhood Educator and Supervisor at the YMCA in Cambridge, the YMYW in Guelph, the Wellington Early Learning Center in Guelph, and the many Mission trips she took to India, Guatemala, and Brazil, Barb gave her entire spirit to serving others.
But children were her real joy. Barb would get lost in the stories a child would tell. She would go on imaginary monster hunts, sing silly songs at the top of her lungs, stomp around in the rain, and spend hours building, colouring, or drawing with children. No children were dearer to her than her five grandchildren, James, Emma, Robert, Henry, and Riley. She was the kind of Grammie that would indulge any silly game or challenge. She would shout the loudest at any basketball, baseball, hockey, or soccer game. She would proudly say, “That’s MY grandson or granddaughter” when even the smallest victory was achieved. And when her grandchildren hurt, she hurt with them.
Barb was loud and wonderful; stubborn and fierce yet compassionate and joyful. When she made her mind up about something, by God it was going to happen. She loved long hikes with The Grandmas, playing Wizard into the wee hours of the morning, cooking and baking, camping and painting.
Barb is survived by her husband, James McKee (Craigavon, Northern Ireland). Though they had been long separated, they remained dear friends and companions. She is also survived by her daughter Erin Scott (Adam Scott) and their three children James, Robert, and Henry, her son Sean McKee (Cherylynne McKee) and their two children Emma, and Riley, her sister Joanne Hallman (late John Hallman), her brothers Michael Page (Andi Page), and Terry Page (Linda Fletcher), her former sister-in-law Donna Page, and by her many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her mother and father Edith and David Page.
Guests will be received at Carson Funeral Home L. Doolittle Chapel located at 54 Coldwater St. E. (705) 326-3595 on Wednesday November12, 2025 from 11am until the time we celebrate her life in the chapel starting at 12pm. A reception will follow onsite. Following the reception, burial will take place at St Andrews’ – St. James Cemetery in Orillia.
The service will be livestreamed on Carson Funeral Home's You tube channel and available for viewing at www.youtube.com/@carsonfuneralhome3033/streams
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Andy’s Place Hospice (Hospice Muskoka) in Port Carling which can be done at the funeral home or online at hospicemuskoka.akaraisin.com/ui/donations/donations/start
Online condolences and memories may be left at www.carsonfuneralhomes.com
Condolences
Suzanne Burns
Nov 14, 2025Barb and I worked together at the YWCA Cambridge in the early 80s. We also attended Conestoga College together and worked on many projects together. Barb truly valued Early Childhood Education and was committed to children in every way. I am so sorry for your loss and the loss for our profession. Suzanne Burns
Lesley Rice
Nov 11, 2025I am so grateful that Barb decided to move to Orillia so that we could become friends! We enjoyed a rich, fun and adventurous relationship that included many long walks with Shamus, my chocolate lab. "To you my sister in Christ, I can only imagine your beautiful smile as you are now gazing into the eyes of Jesus!!! Peace, love and Joy to you forever and ever. Until we meet again."
Shirley Rublee
Nov 10, 2025. Barbara will always be remembered for her enthusiasm and her big smile. She was a great cousin to play with in childhood days whenever her family visited Grandpa's farm. When I last saw her a year or so ago she still had that same joy for living she always had. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. May God give comfort and peace to her family and friends in this time of loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lori Jansen
Nov 10, 2025Barb and I worked together at WELC, she was a mentor and a friend. Her fierce determination and passion for all and whom she believed in was formidable. Rest in Peace, Barb.
Carolyn Vogel
Nov 10, 2025Barb and I initially met as members of the Cambridge Vineyard. In recent years, I had the honour & joy of walking beside her as a spiritual director. Her positivity, compassion, and passionate love for her family, friends and God…was inspiring. Praying that Barb’s family will find consolation in all the precious memories they built together. It was a joy to know you dear Barb. Have fun exploring the heavens for eternity! 💜
Nicole Quesnel
Nov 10, 2025Barb was such a lovely woman - fierce and gentle, passionate for Jesus. It was a joy to have known her and to have served with her in Cambridge. Peace and blessing to her family.
Cyndi Rae
Nov 10, 2025My husband Art and I knew Barb from the Cambridge Vineyard. Barb’s vibrant strength of character, her deep faith in God, and her generous heart to serve deeply impacted me. My thoughts go out to her children and grandchildren that she spoke of often with deep love and joy. Art and Cyndi Rae
Janice Kimmel
Nov 10, 2025My condolences to Barb's children and grandchildren and family . Barb was a great friend. We used to do Saturday morning hikes, small groups, yard sales to raise money for her mission trips, always serving and helping others if she could with a great smile . I have missed our walks, talks and praying together. Barb I will miss you always. Thank you for your friendship and great memories dear sister in Christ.❤️
Helen MacDonald
Nov 10, 2025So sorry to hear of Barb's passing. She certainly was a vibrant person. Although we didn't get to see each other often I always enjoyed being with her. She was a good story teller and a good cousin. Praying for comfort for each of her family members and her friends.
Jeannette
Nov 10, 2025R.I.P , Barb . Your journey is over. I will miss that smile & positivity .
Charlie and Cindy McCordic
Nov 9, 2025Barb McKee was a dear friend. Barb came to our Perspectives on the World Christian Movement class in Cambridge many years ago, wrestling with her future decisions after returning from a short term mission trip in India. Interestingly enough, in some ways it was because of Perspectives that she ended up not going back to India. In her readings and reflection, she realized that the basis for the Indian ministry she had been connected with turned out to be on quite shaky ground, and after reflection, her decision was to stay home and continue to serve God’s global Kingdom from here - at least until He clearly opened another door. Barb loved the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement program. She was such an encouraging part of our Waterloo region team, and then full-heartedly with us all when we went online on Zoom together during Covid. Zoom was a gift for her as she moved up to Orillia, and yet was still able to remain part of our team. A wonderful sister and a great lady, and we are missing her dearly - and yet we rejoice that she is now home! May God comfort the grieving and beloved circle of family and friends. One day again together! Our love, Charlie and Cindy, on behalf of Barb’s Perspectives team.
Wayne Matthews
Nov 9, 2025Barb was a faith member of the Perspectives Ontario team who worked many years with us conducting classes discipling hundreds of students in Christian World Missions. She was passionate in mentoring people and helping them find their role in spreading the gospel. She was always positive, had great issues and ever ready to pitch in to help. She Glorified God through her ministry.
Marie Ferguson
Nov 9, 2025Condolences to all from the Ferguson family Barb you will be truly missed by all but leaving behind lots of wonderful memories Camping //The beach trips Johns service you conducted the most beautiful service we could have had for him may you reconnect with John May you RIP 💔💔
Wendy Gilchrist
Nov 9, 2025I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I had the privilege of working with Barb for a number of years at the YWCA in Cambridge. She was a wonderful storyteller, and her love for children was truly a gift to the E.C.E. profession. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.