Barbara Busto

Barbara Busto, of Charlotte, took her final flight on October 31, 2023. Barbara was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada to Winifred and Charles Henry Toombs. At 19, she moved to Montreal, Canada where she spent many happy times living with other career girls at the Julia Drummond Residence. Becoming a stewardess (flight attendant) was the ticket in those days for women who wanted to travel, so she moved to the US in the late 1950s to fly with Eastern Airlines. (Canadian airlines required an RN license at the time.) However, she remained a proud Canadian citizen until her death. In 1960, Barbara married John Busto in Miami, Florida, where her daughter Justine was born. The family moved to North Carolina in 1965, where her second daughter, Elaine, was born. Barbara worked in the business office of Blackhawk Hardware for 40 years. She liked to keep accounts in order, with integrity and dedication to the Wilkersons and the Blackhawk family. She was an avid tennis player in middle age, and loved animals of all kinds, especially cats. Barbara was predeceased by her sister Amy “Betty” Wakefield and brother Gerald Toombs. She is survived by daughters Justine Busto (Jarod Brown) of Charlotte and Elaine Smith (Brian) of Fayetteville, NC. In Saskatchewan she is remembered by nephews Laurie Wakefield (Monica) and David Wakefield (Loreen); niece Diana Hoffer (Lanny), and many great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her beloved cat Molly. The family would like to thank all the dedicated staff and medical professionals of Brookdale Carriage Club, Memory and Movement Charlotte, and VIA Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Charlotte. Services will be held in private for the family. Condolences and messages for the family can be left on the tribute wall.