Obituary of Barbara Rosemarie Shields

Barbara Rosemarie Shields

August 15, 1951 – May 05, 2026

Barbara Rosemarie Shields aka 'mama tan tan'; our super heroine born on August 15, 1951, in Guys hill, St.Catherine, Jamaica. Child of the late Princess Brown Johnson and Eric Shields. Barbara was mostly raised by her beloved grandparents whom she loved dearly. A woman of gentle spirit and quiet joys, a woman who knew true perseverance. She was fiercely independent, yet had such a natural warmth that drew others to her. Barbara, a beautiful, strong black woman.

Barbara's life story is an inspiring story to those who knew her, she faced many trials and tribulations, rejected, struggled trying to make a life for herself; regardless of what she faced, she remained joyful and stood firm in her faith in God.

Barbara was a true believer in Christ, she always loved going to church, singing with her beautiful voice, giving praises to God. She loved writing, she always had a dream of being a writer; until she finally accomplished her dreams, she wrote her only book called "The Life And Struggles Of A Jamaican Woman". She also enjoyed crocheting, baking, cooking and gardening.

She spent most of her life taking care of people, she loved volunteering, she was an excellent and selfless caregiver. She always made it her point of duty to care for her children and her grandchildren; one phone call and she’s there to your rescue. Our Mother Rose, our super heroine, Barbara was just the perfect representation of a MOTHER. 

Barbara passed away on May 05, 2026. She will be dearly missed, Her passing left many of her loved ones and friends broken. Those who knew her will remember her calming presence, her benevolence, and her selfless heart.  Such a lovely woman is no longer with us, It hurts deeply but it is well with our souls because we know now she is no longer in pain and she is in a better place. We hold Barbara dear to our hearts, she was the best mom, grandmother, friend, lover, sister, church sister anyone could ever ask for.

Always in our hearts, we love you Barbara Rosemary Shields.

Please join us to remember Barbara on Friday, May 29, 2026 for visiting starting at 10:40 a.m. followed by funeral services at the eco Life Celebration Centre-Memorial Chapel of the Church of St. Peter and St. Simon-the-Apostle (525 Bloor St E, west of Parliament St., Toronto, ON M4W 1J1). Please use the north doors of the church off of Bloor St. E.

There is limited parking at the chapel, with some spaces in the front lot off of Bloor St. E. Additional parking may be found on the surrounding streets or in the laneway to the east of the church which is accessible from Howard Street.

Please share a memory, photo or sentiment of Barbara's life here at her memorial legacy page.

If floral tributes are desired please use the Send Flowers button, below, on this home page.

Uniquely entrusted to eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc.

-Modern Funerals-

Copyright eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc. 2026