Date of death: April 11, 2024
The funereal will be held on Sunday April 14, 2024 at 1:00 pm at United Hebrew Memorial Chapel, 28 Ewen Road, Hamilton. Interment to follow at the Grand Order of Israel Cemetery, 1250 Snake Road, Burlington.
Shiva: 4 Littlebrook Court, Thornhill, Ontario.
With deep gratitude for a life well-lived, and profound grief for our loss, we announce the death of our mother, Bubbie, Bubbie Bubbie, sister, aunt, and friend, Barbara Laskin (née Pasis). Barbara Laskin was a woman whose love for life was as legendary as her devotion to her hometown of Hamilton, Ontario. Born in 1933 to Sam and Sara Pasis, Barbara grew up in Hamilton’s north end, big sister to Marilyn and Barry. Throughout her life, she remained the city’s most spirited champion, her family often joking that she should have run the local tourism department.
Barbara’s great love story began at age 15 when she met the love of her life, Harry Laskin, during a variety show where he performed comedy and she sang and danced in the chorus. They were married in 1950, shortly before her 17th birthday, beginning a beautiful partnership defined by music, dancing, and a shared sense of humour. When her Harry passed away, Barbara carried on with the strength of his memory, often saying he had left her with enough love to last a lifetime. After twenty years apart, they are finally reunited.
A true pillar of the Hamilton Jewish community, Barbara was “the community” personified. She was a dedicated member of the Adas Israel Synagogue and a tireless leader, serving as President of B’nai B’rith Women and a longtime advisor to B’nai B’rith Girls. Her social calendar was a testament to her vibrant spirit, filled with Tuesday Canasta, “Wendy’s Wednesdays,” and decades of leadership in her bowling league. Barbara was also a passionate sports fan who took immense pride in everything Hamilton; she tracked each and every Blue Jays game and was a devoted supporter of the Tiger-Cats, always ready with a spirited “Oski Wee-Wee!”
Above all, Barbara’s family was her world. She was the cherished mother of Carl (Randy) Laskin, Dale (Abe) Cohen, Sue-Anne Laskin and Theren Beecroft, and Nikki Laskin and Dave McCutchen. She took immense pride in her role as a beloved sister to Barry and Marilyn, and a favorite aunt and great-aunt to many. Her heart only grew larger as her family expanded; she was the special Bubbie of Matthew Laskin and Jenna Nightingale, Ari Laskin and Emily Hogeveen, Sara Cohen and Anatoly Dvorkin, Dani Cohen, Erin Cohen, Shelby Behling, and Kerri Behling and Kurt Martin. She was also the adored Bubbie Bubbie of Harel, Elijah, Naomi, AJ, Sadie, Joey, and Theo. To ensure she never missed a memory, Barbara was rarely seen without her camera. Photos were her way of freezing time, and she made it her mission to document every “candid” moment, leaving her family with a priceless visual history of their lives together.
Barbara had a rare gift for making everyone feel like a best friend, often receiving wedding invitations from the bank tellers and shopkeepers she befriended while running errands. Her family wishes to extend their deepest thanks to the staff of Shalom Village SVO in Hamilton for the love and care they provided. A special thank you goes to nurses Vinia, Julie, Lucy, and Paul, as well as PSWs Angela, Grace, Zaid, and Richard, who cared for her throughout her time in long-term care. Even as a resident at Shalom Village, she remained a source of joy, always found singing and dancing for everyone around her until the very end. Barbara leaves behind a legacy of laughter, a song in every conversation, and enough cherished memories to last her family several lifetimes. She will forever be our sunshine.
Donations to: Shalom Village, 70 Macklin Street North, Hamilton, ON L8S 3S1 would be appreciated by the family.
Dear Laskin Family,
Sending heartfelt condolences on the loss of your mom.
Alan&Lucy Ferrie
Carl, very sorry to learn about your mother. May you always be comforted by your memories of the many happy times you spent together. May her memory be for a blessing. Our heartfelt sympathy, Gail and Ilia Kaufman
I met Barbara over 60 plus years, when I joined Bnai Brith. I was always at her house, her teaching me how to make her famous coffee cakes.
We worked on every committee together, serving tea at the CNIB, working the little gift shop at the Hospital, much more, too numerous to write. Years later I joined the bowling league, Barb loved to organize and take care of things, going out for weekly lunches…Talking on the phone, sharing stories and laughs.
Then in the later years seeing her at Shalom Village where Barb loved to greet people at the door with a smile and a dance.
Her love for her family and friends showed as her eyes lit whenever she would see them.
We all have our special stories and will remember Barb with love.
Hugs
Louise Cowitz
Dear Dale and family
We send you strength during this time of grief. May your many memories of your mother keep her alive in your hearts forever.
To Carl and family,
Linda joins me in extending condolences to you and your family on the loss of your mother.
May her wonderful memories help heal the wounds of loss.
Hamakom Y’nachem etchem b’toch shear avlei tziyon v’Yerushalayim.
Eli and Linda Kirshblum
Dear Carl, Dale, Sue-Anne, Nicki and your families,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Thinking of her and all of you bring so many memories and a huge smile to my face. Her warmth, wit and laughter, she could really make me laugh. Remembering all of those years with your parents and my grandparents – it is so special. I have always thought of you as family. My heartfelt condolences, we are thinking of you and sending big hugs.
Love, Joanne xo
We were so sorry to hear this news. We will always think your mother with a smile on her face, and a dance in her step and she will be remembered by both of us with great fondness.
Sending our condolences to the Laskin children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. May the memory of your mother, bubbie and great bubbie be a blessing to all of you. With much love.
I have nothing but the fondest memories of Barbara. May her memory be a blessing
Dear Carl, Dale, Sue Anne and Nicki.
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom, I remember her from way back when I came to your home in Paradise Rd. to see Carl, may the fond memories all of you have of your Mom help you through this very difficult time, my condolences go out to each and every one of you.
Dear Laskin Family,
I was very sad to hear about Barbara. She was a great Lady with a great zest and personality. May her Beautiful Memory be for every Blessing.
Xo,
Michael Bornstein
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Carl, Dale,Su-Anne, Nicki and family. You mother always put a smile on my face. She was so loving and warm. She will be missed.
Dear Dale and the entire family. Sorry to hear about your immense loss. Keep her memories alive in your hearts and she’ll always be with you. May her memory be a blessing