ELLSWORTH – Barbara Louise Shaw Caruso, 90, passed away peacefully Feb. 24, 2017, with her daughter by her side. She was born May 30, 1926, in Winter Harbor, the daughter of Richard and Arline (Holt) Shaw.
She was a very dignified, gracious, loving, wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed life to the fullest and had a great sense of humor and a special sparkle. She worked in Bar Harbor at Morrison Chevrolet when she met the love of her life at Franklin Roads; they were always noticed when on the dance floor. Later, members of the Caruso family started the hangar dances at the Bar Harbor Airport, introducing pizza to this area, affectionately known as “piazza.” Barbara, her husband and her brother-in-law started the Bar Harbor Airlines, which became one of the largest commuter airlines on the East Coast, flying from Canada to Bermuda.
Many knew her as mother. She always had a place in her heart for everyone. After retiring, she stayed involved with the MDI Hospital Auxiliary, Next Step, the American Cancer Society and many other organizations. She was famous for her lemon biscuit, requested when attending social events.
She is survived by her daughter Gail L. Caruso and husband, William P Green; brother Frank Allen Shaw and wife, Joan; sister-in-law Josephine Caruso; granddaughters Jessica Caruso and Rachel Smallidge; many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas J. Caruso; son Gary T. Caruso; daughter Pamela Jane Caruso; sister-in-law Jane Clark; and brother-in-law Joseph Caruso. Many friends and family will miss her. The family would like to give special thanks to all her caregivers and Total Solution.
Donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to The Thomas and Gary Caruso Scholarship Fund, c/o Trenton Elementary School, 51 School Road, Trenton, ME 04605, or Next Step, P.O. Box 1466, Ellsworth, ME 04605, or The Woman’s Club Building Fund, 61 Main St., Prospect Harbor, ME 04669 or Beacon Hospice, 289 State St., Suite B, Bangor, ME 04401.
A celebration of her life will take place 10 a.m., March 11, 2017, at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth, where a reception will follow. Private interment will be held in the spring at Greenwood Cemetery, Winter Harbor.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
Author information
The post Barbara Louise Shaw Caruso appeared first on The Ellsworth American.