Obituary of Barbara Esther Shurland

Barbara, Esther Shurland née Purcell, 85 years of age, passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, after suffering medical complications arising from a hospitalization, incurred after a fall in her home.

Barbara was born in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago on the 20th of September, 1937, to Margaret and Norris Purcell.   Barbara spent two years at Teachers’ Training College in Trinidad. She taught at the Convent in Trinidad under Mother Superior, in Harris promenade in San Fernando, later winning a scholarship to learn abroad in London, England, in 1964. Barbara returned to Trinidad in 1965, and spent her first years living out her dream as a teacher at Couva Secondary School in Trinidad.   Barbara arrived in Canada on the 8th of June in 1968, further exercising her passion for teaching at St. Felix Secondary School at Royal York Blvd. in Toronto. She would go on to teach at St. Ambrose Catholic School at 20 Coules Ct., Etobicoke, for thirty years. Barbara met Mervyn Fitzroy Shurland in 1965 in Trinidad and they married in Toronto, Canada on the 29th of March, 1969 after a lengthy courtship. The couple raised three beautiful children, Tshijere, Kwame and Thandi. Barbara became beloved grandmother to five lovely grandchildren - Crystal, Dalen, Malaika, Ewan and Ellery. In 1998, Barbara retired, and spent her time as a homemaker, volunteer tutor, and immersing herself in the social functions of the Peel Fountain of Wisdom Senior Services, in Mississauga, Ontario. Barbara was predeceased by Lennox, Hollis, Felix, and Olive Purcell as well as, Hazel Bartholomew and Sheila Lazare. She is survived by Kathleen Dick. Bonne nuit, Barbara, may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest, and may you have peace and love with God, the Father in heaven.

Please join us in celebrating Barbara's life with visiting on Friday, March 24, 2023 at the eco Life Celebration Centre-Magnolia Chapel (737 Dundas Street East at Cawthra, Mississauga) from 2:30-4:15 p.m. at which time a Funeral Liturgy without Mass will be celebrated at 4:15 p.m.

Guests may park in the large lot adjacent to the church and proceed through the cemetery gates to the north building ahead.

A live stream link will be made available at approximately 4 p.m. by clicking HERE. Virtual guests are reminded that  no technical assistance will be made abailable.

Cremation will follow with the Rite of Committal at a later date.

Please share your memories, photos and sentiments of Barbara's life here at her memorial web page.

Uniquely entrusted to eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc.

- Modern Funerals -