Limington - Barbara J. Whitney-Drew, age 72 went to be with her beloved mother on March 7th, 2026. Her last breaths were taken in her home with her daughters at her side, holding her hands and giving her kisses.
“Barb”, known to many who loved her as “Barbie Jo”, was born in Portland, Maine to Barbara Woodward and Clifton Whitney. She and her mother shared a close, lifelong bond. She also had a special fondness for Mrs. Taylor, a retired schoolteacher who helped to care for her and her siblings while their mother worked.
After moving to Westbrook, Barbara took drawing lessons, and began painting plaques and on canvas. She graduated from Westbrook High School in 1972 where she met Gerry Drew, to whom she was married for many years. Together they had two daughters, Alisha and Jenny, who she proudly called her greatest works of art.
Barbara and Gerry planned and built a custom post and beam home made from trees pulled by oxen from the land. Barbara was an artist of many ilks, primarily known for her stained glass and painting. For years she traveled with her wares to craft shows around the state of Maine under the moniker “The Glass Garden”. Her booth was sought out by visitors from near and far because of her unique style marked by fine solder lines and delicate designs.
Barb was a master gardener who cared meticulously for her perennial flowers. She loved to spend days at the ocean, particularly Popham beach, collecting seashells. In 2000, she designed a home that she had built surrounded by vast gardens, and lived out her days enjoying her many crafts.
She was predeceased by her parents.
She is survived by her siblings - Kathleen & husband Howard Carr, Clifton Whitney, Michael and wife Sandra Humphrey, Suzanne & husband John Brown, and Scott & wife Michelle LaCroix, former sister in-law Lois Whitney; daughters - Alisha & husband Adam Wagner and Jenny Drew & husband Scott Morgan; grandchildren - Noah Lewis, Emma Lewis, Lucy Lewis, and Drew Wagner; many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Barbara’s life and artwork will take place this Spring, the time and place of which will be forthcoming in the Guide.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home,
www.mainefuneral.com