Barbara A Williams

Barbara Anne Williams of South Portland died peacefully on April 7. She was born in Milford, CT, on September 28, 1935, the daughter of the late Elizabeth and Warren Brooks. She graduated from Belmont High School, class of 1953. Nicknamed “Babs”, she was voted to be most like Peter Pan. The perpetual optimist and child at heart, she hoped to never grow up. As the youngest of four, she was most treasured by her older sister, Janet, who would be her best friend and guardian angel throughout both of their lives. Barbara graduated from the State Teachers College at Boston. Her passion for travel began during her college years when she organized trips to Bermuda. It was also during this time that she traveled to Ogunquit, Maine, to secure summer employment, waitressing at the affectionately remembered Algonquin Hotel. It was here she met and fell in love with South Portland native, Dick Williams. They were married in Belmont, MA, and settled in Cape Elizabeth, ME, where they raised their only child, a beloved daughter, Beth. This unmistakable bond of love and devotion between mother and daughter will never be forgotten.

Barbara pursued her passion for teaching at Cottage Farms School in Cape Elizabeth and cherished memories of “her” kindergarteners for her entire life. She truly celebrated her role as Peter Pan during these years and taught the best lessons of life to countless children.

All of her life lessons were certainly influenced by her faith. As a lifelong practicing Catholic, she always modeled generosity, kindness, humor, and humility to all who knew her.

Another lifelong passion was playing tennis. She could always be found glued to watching every Grand Slam Tournament. On one occasion, she even ventured to Wimbledon and made the trek to the US Open whenever she could. Until her very last days, she would say how she “had a great match today”. In her imagination, she would win with her dastardly, backhand drop-shot that she subsequently taught to her daughter and grandchildren, ensuring her continued legacy.

She also loved collecting art, books, antiques, and pets. Her adored dogs proved to be faithful companions throughout her life. Appreciative of all things beautiful, she passionately followed the Metropolitan Opera and could sing numerous scores from favorite musicals of her time. Upon her retirement from teaching, her wanderlust continued. Putting her passion for history and teaching to good use, she loved working for Maine Line Bus Tours. She led numerous groups of fellow travelers all over the US and Canada.

During this time, she didn't forget about the children of Maine and compassionately volunteered countless hours to the Bruce Roberts Toy Fund, sharing her joy of Christmas with children in need.

After one particularly cold winter, she and her sister traveled to Florida and discovered Naples. Here, she would establish permanent residency and friendships that carried her through the last twenty-five years of her life. These years were filled with continued travel, tennis, and lots of celebration, punctuated by visits from friends and family. At 79, her last adventure was with her sister at 89, when they traveled to explore their roots in Ireland. During their last night in Dublin, Barbara was inspired to sing “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” to a captivated and appreciative pub full of patrons. She certainly had those beautiful, crystal-blue eyes that always smiled with warmth and tenderness.

After suffering a debilitating stroke and losing her beloved sister, Barbara returned to Maine, where she continued to share her childlike charm with fellow residents of the Enclave in Scarborough and, later, the Pinnacle of South Portland. A very special thanks of gratitude is extended to the staff at the Pinnacle and Compassus Hospice, who tenderly loved and cared for Barbara until the very end.

She is surely still practicing her serve and exploring heaven with the many dear friends she shared her passions with along the way. She will always be remembered for celebrating a life well-lived.

‘Well, a mother, a real mother, is the most wonderful person in the world. She’s the angel voice that bids you goodnight, kisses your cheek, whispers ‘sleep tight.’ Peter Pan

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Beth, son-in-law Darrell, adored grandchildren Elliot and Gillian, both of whom she was so very proud, and extended nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved sister Janet, brothers Warren and William, parents, and husband. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Press Herald Toy Fund, PO Box 7310, Portland, ME 04112.