Obituary of Barbara Keating (nee Couse)

Formerly of St. Thomas, ON, Mary Lou Barbara Ann Keating, age 84, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, at Hogarth Riverview Manor, Thunder Bay, ON.

Barbara was lovingly raised by Madaline and Finlay Couse in St. Thomas, ON. She was the beloved wife of the late William E. “Bill” Keating (2007), and the devoted mother of the late Terrance J. “Terry” Alliett (2014), her only son. She was a loving grandmother to Misty Alliett (Martin) and Ashley Alliett (Jordan), and a cherished great-grandmother to Carli Bengtsson and Kacey Carroll. A dear aunt to many nieces and nephews, she will also be fondly remembered by her in-laws, extended family, lifelong friends, and those who became special to her in later years. Barbara was predeceased by her siblings, George R. Couse (2014), Ron “Jesse James” Luton (2008), David Young (2015), and Kenneth "Ken" Young (2019).

Barbara was a longtime switchboard operator at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital and, guided by her faith, was a devoted member of Eastwood Baptist Church while in St. Thomas and Westfort Baptist Church in Thunder Bay.

Known for her warmth, thoughtfulness, and faith in God, Barbara had a special way of connecting with people and took a genuine interest in their lives and stories. She cherished the people in her life and found great joy in the company of family and friends, as these relationships were truly at the heart of her life.

The funeral service to celebrate Barbara’s life will be held at the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160) on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. (Visitation prior from 12:30-1:20 p.m.). Interment in Elmdale Memorial Park. Friends and family wishing to make a memorial donation are asked to consider Eastwood Baptist Church, St. Thomas.