It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Veronica (Vera) Fobert in her 98th year on Sunday May 10, 2026 at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie Ontario.

Born in Reed Township on December 13, 1928 to the late Vincent and Rosella O’Neill, Veronica is predeceased by her loving husband of 68 years John Francis Fobert (2020). She is survived by one sibling, Joan O’Neill; her eight children: Karen Lubinsky, Daniel (Merv), Betty (Richard), Frank (Lu-Ann), Jean (Dave), Dorothy (Edward), John (Leslie), and Helen (David); fifteen grandchildren: Jason (Julia), Marla (Noam), Jesse, Mary (Bobby), Kevin, Kenny (Jessica), Tyler (Kirsten), Michael (Nadia), Nancy (Sahil), Angela, Richard (Erin), Johnny, Alex (Megan), Cole (Melissa), Hailey (Scott); nineteen great-grandchildren: Levi, Tali, Cody, Max, Michael, Dallas, Thomas, Brandon, Noah, Leo, Brooklynn, Liam, Veronica, Aidan, Cassandra, Amber, Ryland, Erik, Daniel;and one great-great grandchild (Austin). Veronica is predeceased by three grandchildren: Gabriel Wheller (1990), Joshua Wheeler (2007), and Sarah Aitcheson (2007).

Veronica will be always cherished as the family matriarch, but she should also be fondly remembered for her kind and gentle nature. She began life under difficult circumstances during the Great Depression. She graduated high school and then Teacher’s College in her late teens. While working as a teacher she met the love of her life, John, in 1946 and they married in 1951. They were inseparable spouses, parents, and partners for the next seven decades. Vera and John eventually settled in Brampton in 1963. Vera taught elementary school while giving birth to eight children over just ten years! John and Vera led full and busy lives. Vera always supported John in his many business ventures and interests while she was also running the household and working full-time as an educator. 

Upon retirement, John and Vera enjoyed 30 years of well-deserved rest and relaxation every winter in Florida. During their months in Cheltenham and later in Brampton, Vera and John enjoyed visits from the ever-growing numbers of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John and Vera’s final house move in 2015 was to Wasaga Beach where they were close to many of their grown children. John and Vera moved into Raglan Village retirement residence in 2019; after John’s passing she moved to the main building where she made many friends and was loved by the staff. She remained at Raglan over the next seven years until this April, when a fall and hip surgery required her daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Richard Woodhouse, to take her under their care at their home. Tragically, a bout of pneumonia brought about her sudden passing on May 10th.

The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at Raglan Village for their kindness to Mom and welcoming atmosphere to all. Special thanks to Betty and Richard for their constant advocacy for Mom’s medical treatment and care over the past few weeks and months.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 14th from 6:00PM - 9:00PM
Basic Funerals - Jennett Memorial Centre, 152 Bradford Street, Barrie

Funeral Mass will be held the next day on Friday, May 15th at 10:00AM
St. Mary's Church, 65 Amelia Street, Barrie

Interment will take place Tuesday, May 26th at 11:00AM
St. Carthagh's Cemetery, in Tweed.