WINTER HARBOR – Barbara L. Lilly, 80, of Winter Harbor, daughter of the late Alta L. and Earl M. Gerrish, passed away peacefully and with the loving family presence, May 1, 2016, at Seaport Village, Ellsworth. She was born Nov. 5, 1935, at Winter Harbor.
Barbara attended Winter Harbor High School for three years and graduated as a member of the first graduating class at Sumner Memorial High School, Sullivan.
She graduated from Husson University and her first employment was in an administrative position for Dr. Chesley H. Husson, founder and president of Husson University. Her love for basketball was enhanced by two local sports icons: the late Coach Del Merrill, Sumner High School, and Coach Clara Swan, Husson University.
Her career was in management positions in Human Resources and Commissary Store operations. She was selected as the first Commissary Store director at the new store, which opened November 1987, at Bangor Air National Guard base in Bangor. She retired in 1992 from federal civil service after 33 years.
After retirement, she volunteered for 12 years and gave two days per week at the Eastern Maine Medical Center, ICU, Chaplain Service and the Volunteer Services Office.
Barbara was a kind and caring person, always thinking of others first. She was the type of person that others wanted as a friend. She was always positive and supportive in her many roles, acknowledging significant events and challenging times for others through cards and acts of kindness.
She loved her family and friends and was an excellent role model for all. One of her greatest moments in her later years was to serve as the grand marshal of the annual Winter Harbor Lobster Festival Parade during the 2015 event. She was a life member of Pi Rho Zeta sorority, life member of Winter Harbor Historical Society, life member of VFW Ladies Auxiliary, a member of American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, and served as a member for many years with the Winter Harbor Cemetery Association.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 60 years, James W. Lilly, Winter Harbor; daughter Cathy Carruthers, Winter Harbor, daughter Susan Campbell, her husband, Wayne, of Poquoson, Va., granddaughter Laura Mahon and her husband, Robert, Woodbridge, Va., one great-granddaughter Madison Lilly Mahon, Woodbridge, Va. She is also survived by one brother Richard Gerrish, Winter Harbor, and many supportive cousins. Also many nieces and nephews who love their “Aunt Barbara”.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents and cousins Marie Noble and Fran Myrick.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Heidi Harmon and Dr. Michael Mason, Maine Coast Memorial Hospital, Dr. Castrucci and the medical team at Cancer Care of Maine, Eastern Maine Medical Center.
Also, thanks to the direct care staff at Seaport Village and the professionals at County Ambulance Service for their compassionate care during the last year of her life.
A celebration of Barbara’s life is scheduled for 1 p.m., May 10, at the Bragdon Kelley Funeral Home, 47 Main St., Milbridge. The Rev. Dr. Rex Garrett will preside. A private burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Winter Harbor. Online condolences can be shared at www.bragdonkelley.com.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Winter Harbor Fire Department, P.O. Box 98, Winter Harbor, ME 04693 or to the Barbara Gerrish Lilly Memorial Scholarship Fund at Husson University, 1 College Circle, Bangor, ME 04401.
Author information
The post Barbara L. Lilly appeared first on The Ellsworth American.