Obituary of Maggy Barnfield

BARNFIELD, Margaret “Maggy” Winifrede (nee Loftus) – Suddenly at Bluewater Health, Maggy Barnfield died on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at the age of 76.  Beloved wife of John for  50  years.  Loving mother of Allan Barnfield (Yvette Scrivener), London and Elizabeth Barnfield, Sarnia. Cherished grandmother of Laine, Jae & Christopher.  Dear sister of Brigid  Warnock (late Jim), Colorado, Mary Lomas (late Roger), England, Imelda Cerioni (John), England.  Sister-in-law of Gill and David Frost, England.  Predeceased by her parents Francis & Sarah Ann Loftus.  She survives numerous nephews and nieces both in England and the US.

Maggy had a fierce love for her grandchildren and cherished her family and friends above all else.  She was so proud of her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and celebrated their many accomplishments with great enthusiasm.

Maggy, John, Allan and Elizabeth moved to Sarnia from England in late 1980. She quickly got involved in life at Sacred Heart Church, and acted as a pastoral Minister for a number of years with particular love and interest in the baptismal program. She got involved with the Cursillo Movement (both Catholic and Inter-denominational) and acted as Rector for the Catholic Movement.

She was instrumental in Maggy and John’s decision to visit Haiti in 1985 on an Ontario-wide Poverty Awareness Trip which led directly to the formation of the Rayjon Share Care Organization in 1986, now just about to celebrate its 36^th anniversary. She visited Haiti numerous times – both as a team  leader and also in small intimate groups to get to know and build relationships with the women of Haiti – a unique relationship she shared and treasured.

It was her involvement with the people of Haiti that brought to light her love, passion and talent for photography. She has delivered hundreds of presentations to thousands of school students, teachers and community groups over the years.

Maggy has touched the hearts of so many people.  She leaves a legacy of love, family and community and she will be sorely missed.

Our thanks go out to all the EMS and Bluewater Health staff who helped in so many caring ways.  Our family is also grateful for the years of care and compassion Maggy received from the LHSC Cancer Clinc, in particular, to Dr. Lam and her staff.

Cremation has taken place.  A private graveside service will be held.  A celebration of life for Maggy will be held at a later date.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, (519-344-3131).  As an expression of sympathy, donations can be made to Rayjon Share Care at: www.rayjon.org or P.O. Box 2482, Sarnia, On N7T 7T1.  Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com