A Taste of Haldimand – February 1, 2024

It has been 10 years since our dear friend Barb Wellings passed away. I and my friends Jean Beattie and Marlene Kett gathered on the weekend to commemorate our friendship with a special meal. The four of us have been friends for decades. Barb and I grew up as neighbours in Willow Grove, attending elementary and secondary school together. Jean and Barb connected through baseball and 4-H. Marlene met Barb in Grade 9 at Cayuga Secondary. But their connection actually goes back the furthest, since both were born at Beckliffe Private Hospital in Hagersville, one day apart. Every year we celebrated their birthdays in a special way. Barb’s family was extremely important to her and she loved her children, Amy and Phillip, deeply. I remember how thrilled she was when granddaughter Audrey came along.

Barb & Marlene celebrate their birthdays in 2010

Although Barb did not do a lot of cooking or baking later on, she never hesitated to suggest what we could make! So, we chose some of Barb’s favourite foods to enjoy. Marlene hosted and served a delicious roast of beef with gravy. I provided the mashed potatoes whipped with cream cheese, and Jean brought maple tarts and “Basilica Squares”. There were a few tears and lots of laughter as we recounted the many crazy moments shared over the years. Marlene had often referred to the two of them as “Lucy & Ethel”. If there was a misadventure to happen – it would happen to Barb. She always maintained a great sense of humour no matter what she was experiencing. Barb’s memory lives on through our friendship. You will often hear one of us remark “Barb would have loved this”. Here’s to you Barb – until we meet again.