Barbara M. Cromwell, 78, of Westport Island, passed away peacefully Oct. 1 in Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Enfield on Aug. 4, 1930, the daughter of Sylvan and Mildred (Chase) Applebee.
Barbara graduated from Lee Academy, and attended Presque Isle Normal School where she studied to be a teacher. While working summers in a hotel in Boothbay Harbor, she met Alfred Cromwell and they married in 1950. In addition to raising her family of six children, Barbara cooked for the Bayside Oaks Snack Bar, ran a small nursery school, was a member of the Westport Willing Workers, and took care of many local children. She always had a special place in her heart for babies.
Barbara loved people in general and never lacked for friends. Recently, she enjoyed her Tuesday cribbage games at the Wiscasset Senior Center, volunteered to help at the Westport Town Office, and spent time with her beloved great-grandchildren. Barbara was an avid fan of the Boston Celtics and stayed up late many a night cheering them on. She loved to play Canasta, Scrabble and Yahtzee with her friends with whom she enjoyed many an evening. She was an excellent cook and one could count on her to always have a little something special on hand.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her brother, Eugene Applebee.
She is survived by her children, David and wife Rita, Wayne and wife Becky, Garry and long time companion Karen Webb, Brenda Bonyun and husband Paul, Dana and long time companion Peggy Wallace, and Dennis and wife Rhonda; grandchildren, Mark Cromwell, Jason Hodgdon, Floyd Bonyun, Nathan Bonyun, Caleb Bonyun, Chrystine Cromwell, Noelle Cromwell, Jennifer Cromwell, Felicia Wallace, Elisha Cromwell, and Alden Cromwell; six great-grandchildren; her siblings, Irene Mills and husband Sterling, Melburn Applebee and wife Jean, Sylvia Lyon and husband Ken, Terrance Applebee and wife Marie and Dona Applebee; along with many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be private.
Those considering an expression of sympathy are invited to make donations to the Westport Island Human Resource Committee, 6 Fowles Point Rd., Westport Island, ME 04578.