Barbara (Sinclair) Blaney

BLANEY, Helen Barbara (nee Sinclair)

Age 102, Barbara passed away peacefully in Peterborough. Predeceased by her husband Tom and brother John (Sheila), Barbara is survived by her nieces and nephews, Karen Pritchard (John), Elizabeth Bell (Ken), Dave Sinclair (Linda) and Bob Sinclair (Alex). Barbara was a beloved Aunt, great Aunt and great great Aunt. She was proud of her 10 great nieces and nephews and 12 great great nieces and nephews. She made a big effort to stay in touch with them and delighted in all their accomplishments.

Barbara, daughter of Helen and Bill Sinclair, grew up in Carleton Place, Ontario. Her career began in Ottawa in the Federal government but was interrupted by WWII. Anxious to help the war effort, she responded to the call for Canadian women to move to New York City to join the covert organization called British Security Coordination (BSC). Along with many others, Barbara decoded intercepted Japanese messages.  All of this work was top secret. It was not until 1976 that the BSC story was first told in the book, “A Man Called Intrepid”. Up to then Barbara’s family was kept in the dark about her wartime activities!

After the war Barbara returned to Ottawa to work for the Air Force in an office support role. As a result of her work with the BSC she had proven herself capable of handling sensitive information.  Hence, she often reported to some of the most senior Air Force officers. While working she met love-of-her life Tom, with whom she had 30 years of wonderful marriage.

Aunt Barb’s big smile and positive, appreciative spirit will be greatly missed by her large extended family. 

There will be a Celebration of Life at the HIGHLAND PARK FUNERAL CENTRE, 2510 Bensfort Rd. Peterborough on October 25th, 2019 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, with words of remembrance at 1:30 pm. 

In memory of Barbara, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated. Online condolences may be expressed at www.highlandparkfuneralcentre.com.