BARBARA R. SIMMONS
ROCKPORT…………………Barbara Rhodes Simmons, 76, a lifelong resident of Rockport, passed away Saturday, September 2, 2017 at The Gardens at Quarry Hill in Camden. Born in Camden, she was the daughter of Charles and Mildred (Heald) Rhodes. She graduated in 1959 from Rockport High School on Summer Street and lived most of her life in Rockport, except for several years she spent in Friendship.
A very hard worker, Barbara had been employed at Van Baalen’s in Rockland and Tibbetts Industries in Camden earlier in her life. She cherished her many years working at Reny’s in Camden where she stocked shelves and chatted with the customers.
Barbara loved to stay busy and could learn anything. In addition to taking classes in ceramics, pottery, painting and cake decorating, she taught herself how to install linoleum and carpeting, paint, sew clothes, reupholstering furniture, and landscape. She also loved gardening and crocheted afghans for friends and loved ones and also for the cats at P.A.W.S. in Camden. The recipients of her hand-made May baskets appreciated her gift and the promise of summer to come.
An avid letter writer, Barbara adored sending cards for all occasions. A holiday wasn’t truly a holiday until a card from Barbara, in her immaculate handwriting, appeared in your mailbox. She always made a point to acknowledge the family pets, along with those receiving the cards.
Barbara loved family and family history and was knowledgeable of mid-coast Maine. She held fond memories of friends and places and enjoyed recounting stories or memories. She cherished friends, both old and new, and worked hard to maintain her friendships. Barbara was also a member of The Order of Eastern Star.
Barbara had a stubborn streak and a strong desire to live in spite of serious health issues over the past ten years. Her devotion to Elvis was always strong and as he said in his 1970’s version of “My Way: “I've lived a life that's full. I've traveled each and every highway; but more, much more than this, I did it my way.”
Barbara - you will be forever loved and missed by your family and friends.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mildred Rhodes. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Kimberly; her beloved grandchildren, Hayley and Sebastian; several cousins; her longtime best friend, Patricia Stanley; and Pat’s family and Barbara’s “adopted” children and grandchildren, Angela; Ashley and her husband, David and son, Desmond; Caileigh; Shannon; Lisa and her husband, Shawn; Peyton and her partner, Randy; Maggie; Kevin; Keith and daughter, Elathia; Charlie; Isabelle.
At Barbara’s request, there will be a private service. Burial will be held at Amesbury Hill Cemetery in Rockport. She asked that her friends and family remember her in their own special way. Memorial gifts may be made to the P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center, P.O. Box 707, Rockport, ME 04856. Condolences may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.

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