Obituary of Barbara Joan Mayes

Barbara Joan Mayes (née Campbell), affectionately known as Barb, lost her battle against cancer at the age of 60 unexpectedly in the early hours of March 28, 2024 at home in Guelph with her husband by her side. Through the entirety of her life and illness, she displayed unwavering fight and strength despite all the hardships that she faced, particularly in the last few years. 

Born on November 5, 1963 in Walkerton, Ontario, Barb was raised by Marion (née Angst) and Malcom Campbell in Guelph on a farm, where from a young age she enriched the lives of those around her. Barb went to Marden Public School and later graduated from GCVI in 1982. She immediately began working in managerial and sales roles at Little Short Stop and Ever Fresh Juice. In 1984, Barb and Paul met at Maryhill Oktoberfest and were married on May 17,1986, a beautiful sunny day, at St. Andrews community church in Guelph. Together, they built their first home and raised three children, Rebecca, Sarah, and Thomas.

Barb was a committed, dependable and thoughtful wife and mother. She devoted her life to her children, proud of each of their achievements as if they were her own. Barb also spent what little time and energy she had left to better the community. She held various jobs and volunteer roles throughout her life including, but not limited to, classroom support and early literacy program volunteer, manager of her daughters’ rep soccer teams, Competitive Soccer & Development Coordinator and other roles over 12 years at Guelph Soccer, Discipline Panel Member volunteer for the South West Region Soccer Association, as well as working in Public Health clinics during the pandemic. She eventually went back to school at Conestoga College to complete a Certificate in Volunteer Management in 2012 to better serve Guelph's soccer community. She was a woman that was selfless to the core; she always thought of others before ever considering doing something nice for herself. Her life was a testament of loving and giving unconditionally.

‍Predeceased by her father Malcolm, Barb is survived by her husband Paul, three children Rebecca, Sarah (Albert) and Thomas, her prized grandchild, mother Marion, and brother Robert (Trish). She will be fondly remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. Barb’s departure comes as a great shock and has left a deep wound that is gravely felt by all those who knew and loved her. Her family greatly appreciates your support during this time. Her spirit of generosity and love will continue to inspire those who carry her in their hearts. 

Family and friends are invited to say their goodbyes at the Brombal Funeral Home at 1 Delhi Street, Guelph, Ontario. Visitations will take place on Friday, April 5th from 2:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm. A funeral service to honour and celebrate Barb’s life will be held on Saturday, April 6th at 11:00 am, followed by a private family burial. Cremation will take place prior to the funeral. Please wear something red to remember her by, as it was her favourite colour. In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that donations be made in memory of Barb to the Canadian Cancer Society. 

" She will be deeply missed - there will forever be a void in our hearts that cannot be filled. "