Barbara Ann Dominguez

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Ann Dominguez (Williams) (Ballantyne) who passed away on Sunday November 1, 2026 at The Ottawa General Hospital at the age of 78. Barbara was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was also a dedicated co-worker, coach and mentor who inspired, impacted and touched numerous people's lives. Barbara will be lovingly remembered by her children John Williams (wife Jordanna), Milli Williams (husband Franclin Espinal Genao), and Peggy Harris; her grandchildren Natasha, Alisha, Shakur, Yanessa, Quianna, Yorkton and Zion; and her brother Bob Ballantyne (wife Josee), along with their children Kristy and Paige. She will be fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews, Janin (husband Dean) Taylor (wife Sandra) and Stefan (wife Celina).

Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Ted and Ann Ballantyne, and her sisters Carol Ballantyne and Peggy Shaw.

Barbara was born in Kapuskasing on March 23rd, 1948, where she attended Diamond Jubilee and the Kapuskasing district high school. Barbara was highly active in many sports. She particularly loved swimming and served as a lifeguard and diving coach at the Kapuskasing pool.

After leaving Kapuskasing, Barbara attended the University of Guelph, where she earned her degree before completing teacher’s college in North Bay.

When teaching positions became scarce in the early 1970’s, Barbara took a part time job as a telephone operator with Bell Canada, which turned into a 37 year career connecting customers locally, nationally and internationally through landline telephone services. This career took Barbara to Sudbury and Thunder Bay before she eventually retired from the Ottawa Bell office. Barbara’s love of continuing education brought her to successfully completing the Registered Nursing Assistant program at Confederation College in 1991.

Barbara’s greatest passion was her family. Her children, grandchildren and friends were always her priority. Barbara had a special love for animals and shared a deep affection for her four-legged companions Alpha and Kane. Barbara was extremely generous in so many ways; she deeply enjoyed hand-writing yearly Christmas letters to close family and friends and taking the time to celebrate special family events. Following her retirement in 2009, Barbara had more time to enjoy the things she loved. She developed a particular enthusiasm for curling, baseball, Olympic sports and game shows (Wheel of Fortune and The Price is Right), which brought her countless hours of enjoyment. Heading to the casino for her favourite games of chance also brought Barbara joy.

Her diagnosis and battle with cancer was unexpected, rapid and turbulent. Yet, as she had throughout her 78 years, Barbara continued to smile each day, remained positive, and found joy in each day she had left.

With her last moments and gentle breaths, Barbara was comforted by John, Milli, Peggy and her grandchildren by her side. 

Barbara will be forever cherished by her family, friends and all whose lives she has touched.

The family would like to send their appreciation to the Doctors, Nurses and staff at The Ottawa Hospital’s 6th Floor Orthopedic and Palliative Care units for their incredible care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Barbara’s honour to Autism Ontario at: www.autismontario.com

There will be no funeral service at this time. A gathering to celebrate Barbara’s life will take place in May 2027 during the annual Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa.