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Posted Mar 16, 2026 | 7:48 AM
With the heaviest of hearts, the family of Barbara Anne Latta (née Hamilton) announces her passing on March 13, 2026, at the age of 81, surrounded by her loved ones.
Barbara shared almost 60 wonderful years of marriage with her devoted husband Harry and was the beloved mother to Tanya (d. Michael) and Todd (Jacquie), and doting grandmother to Laura, Jenna, and Hailey. Barbara treasured her large family of 11 siblings and is survived by Mike (Donna), Jerry (Irwin), Cathi (Dale), and Dan (Heather). She was predeceased by Tom (Barbara), Louise, Pat (Linda), Don (Shelagh), Richard, Peter (Cathy), and Chris (Alma). She was very close with her in-law from the Latta family and predeceased by her dear sisters-in-law, Joyce (Adrian) and Joan (Jack)
She will also be dearly missed by many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members as well as her travel companions, church congregation and euchre friends.
Born in Sydenham, Ontario to Marcella and Gordon, Barbara grew up in a large and loving family. Throughout her life, her family was her greatest source of pride and happiness, and she devoted herself wholeheartedly to their care and well-being. Known for her gentle spirit, Barbara never had an unkind word for anyone and was admired for her kindness and compassion. As a long-standing parishioner of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Belleville, Barbara was a woman of deep faith who lived her values every day.
With a talent for sewing and needlework, Barbara had always hoped to become a seamstress, yet her professional journey took a different turn. After high school, she started working at a dry cleaner, then began her long career at Northern Telecom, where she was a dedicated employee for 32 years. Throughout her career, she formed many close and lasting friendships.
Throughout her life, Barbara found joy in activities that brought her closer to friends and family but also took her to distant places. She loved playing card games—especially bridge and euchre—and despite her gentle nature was a fierce competitor and strategist. She also found immense joy in traveling, whether she was zip lining through Costa Rica, taking bus trips to many US cities, enjoying the vibrant sights of Las Vegas, or experiencing Disneyworld alongside her granddaughters, her life was full of adventure. In her later years, her travels often featured shopping trips and visits to the casino to try her luck.
Visitation and remembrance will both be held at Burke Funeral home (150 Church St, Belleville, ON).
Visitation to be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 from 6pm – 8pm
A gathering to honor and celebrate Barbara will be held on Thursday, March 19th, 1pm – 4pm.
Sharing and memories will begin at 2:00pm.
A graveside service will follow in the spring.
Memorial donations may be made in Barbara’s name to Gleaner’s Food Bank.
Thank you to the staff at Belleville General hospital and Kingston General Hospital for their exceptional care.