Gorham, Maine — Barbara B. Wardwell, beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025, at the age of 98. A longtime resident of Forest Circle in Jay, Maine, Barbara lived a life marked by devotion to family, education, and community.
Born on April 15, 1927, in East Millinocket, Maine, daughter of the late Lala Glidden and Stephen Bacon, Barbara grew up alongside her two sisters. After losing her father at a young age, she found strength and joy in her extended family, spending her years in northern Maine, attending Sunday School, and excelling in academics and school activities.
During high school, Barbara worked summers as a chambermaid in Bar Harbor, later attending Gorham State Teachers College. While in college, she worked at the Islesboro Inn, where she met J. Edward Wardwell of Islesboro. They married in 1948, raised two sons in Pittsfield Maine and moved to Jay Maine in 1974.
Barbara dedicated her career to teaching in schools across Maine, always referring to her students as “her kids.” Her true passion, however, was nurturing her own family. She created a warm and loving home, spending countless summers in Islesboro—enjoying cookouts on the town beach, sharing stories on the front porch, and building lifelong friendships. Barbara was known by her family and friends to have an optimistic outlook on life, a quick wit, and a wonderful sense of humor that filled any room with laughter. She also carried a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life, finding happiness in everyday moments and sharing that joy with those around her.
In retirement, Barbara continued her tradition of summering in Islesboro, crafting memorable meals, welcoming new friends, and introducing her grandchildren to the magic of island life. After Ed’s passing, she remained a steady presence in her grandchildren’s lives, offering love, wisdom, and family history with remarkable clarity. Barbara’s legacy lives on in the stories she shared, the values she instilled, and the bonds she nurtured. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.
Barbara is predeceased by her husband J. Edward Wardwell of Islesboro Maine who passed away in 1998; sister Gloria Morneault of Millinocket Maine who passed away in 2009. Barbara’s is survived by her sister June Michaud East Millinocket ME; her children Gary of Gorham ME and David with wife Diane of Hooksett NH; her grandchildren Elizabeth with fiancée Ryan of Boston MA and Alexandra with partner Alex of Weare NH.
Friends and family are invited to call at Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service Chapel, 498 Long Plains Road (Rt.22), Buxton from 3:00 to 5:00 pm on Monday August 25, 2025. A grave side service will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s honor to Boardman Cottage, 131 Main Road, Islesboro, ME 04848.