Dr. Mera Sun Barr, of Brampton, passed away at Brampton Civic Hospital on Friday, November 8, 2024 after a very courageous battle with cancer. Mera was born April 21, 1979 in Cambodia and came to Canada in August 1980 when she was adopted by Susan (Holland – deceased) and Dave Barr.
Mera grew up in Lucan, Ontario and went to Medway for high school. She attended Western University and recieved a BSc. in 2001, York University for her Masters of Science (2005), University of Toronto for her Doctor of Philisophy and Post-Doctoral Fellowship (2011 and 2013 respectively). She worked teaching English for a year in Seoul, Korea after attending Western. After finishing her Post-doctorate she worked for the Centre for Addiction and Mental health until 2017, Indivor Canada 2017-2021 and Otsuka Canada 2021-now. She was also appointed as an associate professor at the University of Toronto in 2017, a position which she held until her death.
Mera will be greatly missed by her husband Maurico Arboleda and his son Gabriele, her dad Dave and step-mom Linda Barr, siblings Erik (Darlene), Ian (Trish), Andrew, Roshana, and step-siblings Scott (Sarah) and Ted (Betty) and 11 nieces and nephews Harrison, Emma, Ethan, Kate, Ella, Hannah, Joshua, Josh, Ashley, Graham, Isla and her beloved dogs Chico and Toro. Predeceased by her mother Susan.
Mera was definitely a high achiever. She loved her work and continued working right into the week of her passing – including from her laptop in the ICU. Sports were a huge part of her life and she was a dedicated Blue Jay’s and Raptors fan.
Mera requested no funeral service. Please consider a donation to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation – Cancer Research Priorities.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Romina
Breaks my heart.
Much love for her family.
Julie
sorry for your loss ,she will be missed
Melissa
Roshana, Dave and Barr family.
So sorry to hear of Mera’s passing. My sincerest and deepest sympathies to you.
Jean Mair
Special thoughts and sincere sympathy to the Barr family, Mera’s husband, extended family ….thinking of you all at this time with love and care,
Jean Mair and family
Nancy Bieber
I am so sorry to hear of Mera’s passing I have so many memories of all the kids as they were growing up, and I have often wondered where they all ended up. Mera sure has done a lot in her life and it ended way too soon. My deepest sympathies to all the family and you are all in my thoughts and prayers
Deborah Mair Johnson
Dear Erik, Ian, Andrew, Roshana and all family, close friends…
Mera was a treasure and had a special gift that each one of us received from her. It’s clear that we have all been forever blessed by Mera. It was an honour to see her grow and develop into a beautiful, compassionate, courageous woman.
May each of your find peace in your memories and courage as you recall all of the stories and happenings that were Mera.
Love to all,
Deb
Tracy Emmerton
Our hearts go out to the Barr and Chatterson families. I have many fond memories of Mera from childhood. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
Joan and Dave Goddard
Dave, Linda and familly
So very sorry to hear of your daughters passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad and difficult time.
Beth Arsenault
Sending my deepest condolences to the Barr & Chatterson families, & their extended families.
I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Mera, but I have always heard wonderful stories about her & her life, her career & her life partner.
I am thinking of you & your families as you navigate this difficult time. May you find some small comforts in the many memories , & much love shared here.
Christine Mormont
To Mera’s husband and family:
I had the good fortune to work with Mera for 4 years and have the deepest respect for Mera’s scientific skills, professionalism and resilience. Above and beyond the worklife, she would also bring joy, fun and friendship to the team . May her joyful soul help you find comfort and her memory brighten your days.
Jane Forster
Our sympathy. A little girl,who with the help and love of her amazing parents ,Sue and Dave achieved great things.
Mena Martin
I write this on behalf of the Duffield family. ( I cannot speak for my sister as her relationship with Mera was precious and different than anyone else here and it’s not my story to tell.)
The Barr family growing up were/are our extended family. My parents are the God parents for a few of them as are the Shonk family. It was a role that my mom and dad took very seriously. Mom tried to make sure she didn’t miss any birthday cards, baptisms or milestones in their lives. They love them all as if they were their own.
Mera was always the brightest light. Her personality, her love of family, her dedication to her work, her beautiful soul, her ambition and even with so many phenomenal accomplishments she was always so humble.
Our parents were best friends, and for anyone who was around as we were growing up, our dad’s would take all us kids (4 girls, 3 boys) on a canoe trip each year. Everyone at school just knew not to expect the Duffield girls, and the Barr kids to be in school the second week September from the age of 6. When you turned 12 you got your first Buck knife, Sweatshirts were made one year, which I still have after all these years. Our mom’s would have a whole week to do whatever they wanted, and we got time with our dads. My dad (Bob) and Dave would divide and conquer to be sure we always had everything we needed for those trips. Even though our Dad’s both had very demanding jobs they always made those trips a priority. It was there that we learned so many life skills that carried us into adulthood.
Our families were always planning activities together. Lucan felt like our second home, and whether it was Birthdays, New Years, the Barr Cottage, Canoe trips, Surprise Anniversary parties, Gatlinburg Tennessee, Florida, and (Twin Star/ Hello Kitty Collections.) then my Dad photo bombing a picture in Florida with Dar who we all know met Erik later in University, the Canadopt gatherings and the list goes on. Lucan felt like our second home for my sister and I as we grew up. We are/were so blessed to have them as extended family. I am sure many families on this site feel the same way because that’s just who the Barr family are, as there was always room at the table for one more! ❤️
Of course, as we got older it became harder to get everyone together. I have been sifting through pictures of so many heartwarming memories. Weddings, Echo, Great Danes, Dave, Erik, Ian, Andrew and Roshana I have pictures that I’m sure you will want.
We are thinking of you during this difficult time. As I read the beautiful tributes above to Mera’s life, and everyone she knew without a doubt we will all always carry a part of her with us. Mera has left footprints on all our hearts. If you were blessed to call her a friend, a family member, a colleague, or a student under her guidance we are all better people for having had the privilege of making memories with her.
When I think of Mera two quotes come to mind…
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Mera always lead by example. She absolutely made a difference in this world!!!
“People may not remember what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.”
The words of condolences written above by everyone are a true testament of how Mera lived her life, and the impact she made on us all.
LOVE ALWAYS!!!
Bob, Joyce, Mena, and Shaneen
Wendy Jansen
I’m so sorry to hear of Mera’s passing. I have amazing memories of her during the five years we were together at Medway. We shared many great moments on the basketball and volleyball courts, in classes, and many many more memories were created outside of the school setting in the company of numerous friends. She had a smile that could brighten any room.
I was lucky to have her as such a close friend during those years, and was able to follow her success as she pursued her post secondary education.
She will fondly be remembered as a wonderful friend who brightened this world for too short of a time. Rest in peace Mera 💔
Wayne & Julie Pryce & Family
Dave, Linda & Family
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Keep all those beautiful memories close to your hearts. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Tim Bates
Sorry for your loss.
Martin Katzman
To her partner and family, I must say how sorry I am for your loss.
Mera was a brilliant, beautiful, soul;
Having worked with her, I got to see first hand the warmth, caring and brilliance that were her hallmark;
But even more I always marvelled at her ability to make people comfortable and create opportunities for fun;
My favourite memories were watching games with her off her tablet and arguing about what to do to turn around the fate of the Raps or Jays or Leafs: She truly was a shining star who made everyone who came across her smile;
She will be missed!!!!
Amanda Damen
Dave, Andrew and family
Our deepest condolences for the loss of Mera. May your happy memories sustain you in this time of grief and in the years to come.
Paul and Amanda Damen (nee Hotson)
Jeff & Teresa Young
So sorry to hear of Mera’s passing Our deepest sympathy
Leroy and Nancy Maguire
To the Barr family
Please accept our condolences for your loss of Mera. We are thinking of all of you at this difficult time.
Leroy and Nancy Maguire
To the Barr family
Our condolences on your loss of Mera.
We are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Leroy and Nancy Maguire
Shallon Partridge
Dear Barr Family,
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies . Mera was a remarkable women and I am sure she will be missed.
Don and Diane Williams
Dave Linda and Family. We are very sorry to hear of Mera’s passing. Please know we are thinking of you and your entire family during this sad time in your lives. Our deepest condolences to each of you
Bill Milks
Oh dear! Sara and I have many wonderful memories of Mera at Medway High Schoool. She was a gem.
Teresa Lojzer
Most of my childhood and teen memories are Mera and me: basketball, volleyball, academics, sleepovers, cottage visits, music, her listening to Jays games on the radio. The laughter, the tears, the love. Through adulthood we drifted apart and back together and had relatively recently reconnected. We always just wished for the best for each other, and were proud of each other’s successes. I am broken hearted, but so proud to have played any part of her beautiful life. Sending love and grace to everyone who will undoubtedly miss her earthly presence.
Tim Ryan
Dave and Linda,
Sandy and I are so sorry to learn of your loss,, please accept our condolences.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Allow the happy memories to help get through these darker days
Tim and Sandy
Julie McCann
Dear Roshanna and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Mera’s passing. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Julie McCann
Glen and Linda Finch
Dave, Linda and Family
We are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Marlene and Joe French
Dave, Linda and families,
We were saddened at the news of your dear Mera’s passing. May all those memories help to heal your hearts at this time.
Our sincerest sympathies,
Marlene and Joe French
Martin/Jo Anne Clarke
Dave,Linda and Family:
Sending our deepest condolences to you all at this most difficult time!
So very sorry for your loss.
Martin & Jo Anne Clarke
Doug Hotson
Barr Family,
My deepest condolences. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Melissa
Dear Barr Family
So sorry to hear about Mera. She always had a smile on her face.
Nellie & Bill Boshart
We are deeply saddened to hear of Mera’s passing and offer our most heartfelt condolences to her loved ones at this time of sorrow. Rest in peace dearest Mera
Lisa (Hardy) Loft
Deepest condolences to the Barr family for the loss of Mera. I have so many fond memories of public school and high school with her. She was a very driven, talented and wonderful person who I had a lot of fun times with. From Junior D games, semi formal, formal, sleepovers and Point Clark weekends I will never forget her. RIP 💔
Peter McLeod
Dear Dave, Linda, Erik, Dar, Emma, Kate, Ian, Trish and all the rest of Mera’s family.
We were so saddened to learn of Mera’s passing. Our deepest sympathies to you all on your loss.
Heartfelt condolences to you all.
Sincerely,
Peter and Johanna (Garrett, Mariel, Anja and Tyler)
Marg and Larry Hotson
Dave, Linda and family
So sorry to hear of Mera’s passing. We had a nice visit with Mera and Roshana at the last fish fry. Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Dean and Barb Van Arenthals
Dave, Linda and family
So sorry to hear of your daughters passing.
Ray & Sue Heffernan
Dave & Linda and the Barr families, so sorry to hear of Mera’s passing. Gone to soon, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time ❤️
Johann pinto
Oh dear. I want to tell you how proud we were at St. Joe’s in London of both Mera and Roshana as we saw them when they were very very young. Mera was indeed a shy young girl who grew up to be a force in her field and was doing such important work for society. My thoughts and prayers are with the family..
Johann pinto Mera’s proud and very priviledged Audiologist for having known her,
Pat & Cora Ryan
Dave, Linda and Family, sending our deepest condolences.
Wayne carroll
So sorry for Your loss
May She RIP
Wayne & Cheryl Carroll and family
Joyce Sovereign
Dave,Linda and family
So sorry to read of the death of this beautiful daughter,she was so very young .
Sending my heartfelt sympathy to you all,also including her husband and his son .
Terri McRoberts
I remember looking after Mera in the nursery during church service at Lucan United, a pudgy faced little girl ,full of life. She grew into a beautiful woman who touched many lives. Hugs to her family.
Murray and Edith Yeo
Dave, Linda and Family
Our sincere sympathy to you at this very difficult time. May her smile continue to shine bright through everyone who knew her.
Alex Westman
My sincere condolences to Dave , Linda and family
Fran & Stu Dow
Dave, Linda and family
We are so sorry to hear this very sad news! Stu and I are thinking of you all. Be gentle on yourselves during this time! 💔
Jandira and Antonio
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed, and very dear. Mera will be always loved and missed. Sending our condolences to the family
Jim and Wendy Thomas
Our hearts are broken for all of you….such a beautiful, intelligent young lady. There are no words. So happy that you are surrounded by a wonderful family and will have each other as comfort in this sad loss. RIP dear Mera…..
Carolynn Lankin Hodgins
Dave Linda Erik Dar Ian Trish Andrew Roshana and family
My deepest sympathy on the passing of beautiful Mera.
Carolynn (Lankin) Paul Hodgins and family
Peter Selby
I am so saddened to hear of Mera’s passing. She was one of the smartest yet humble people I have met. My deepest condolences to all of her family
Rick Heywood
Dave and Linda,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss, please accept our deepest condolences.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Rick and Renee
Oloruntoba Oluboka
May your beautiful soul rest in peace. The good Lord console and comfort all of us who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing you! Mera, you will always be remembered for your indelible footprints and the legacy of kindness you left behind!
Faranak Farzan
Mera was not just a remarkable and brilliant woman; she had a unique ability to brighten every room she entered. I feel truly fortunate to have shared a friendship with her during her PhD journey. Together, we created many unforgettable memories alongside our academic collaboration. Mera will always hold a special place in my heart as my smart, strong, dear, and cheerful friend. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Her passing is a true tragedy, and I wish you strength and comfort during this incredibly difficult time.
Michelle Goodman
Mera was an incredible mentor, teacher, and friend. Along with many at CAMH, I will miss her greatly.
Lori Becker
Linda and Family
So sorry for your loss.
Thinking of you .
Roxy
I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the family. I had the pleasure to work with Mera and developed an amazing friendship with her. She’s a phenomenal woman and will be deeply missed 💜