Barbara “Babs” S. Read, former New Harbor resident, died Oct. 1 surrounded by family at her daughter’s home in Goodland, Fla.
She was the daughter of William P. Spencer and Ethel Price, and grew up in Baltimore, Md. with her brothers William and Richard Spencer. Babs was married to Ted Read, who died in 1992. Together they raised nine surviving children: Susan, Chip, Hank, Amelia, Spencer, Jon, Cindy, Andrea, and Stacy, as well as 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
She attended Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Va. and years later earned her Masters in Special Education, followed by teaching at Head Start school in Hartford, Conn.
Babs was a civic-minded individual, volunteering at hospitals, museums and non-profit organizations. After raising the family in West Hartford, Conn. and summering at “Dune Top,” Babs and Ted retired to Carefree, Ariz. for several years enjoying desert life, including hot air balloons that frequently colored the big sky from their home.
In later years Babs lived between New Harbor and Goodland, Fla. In Maine she was surrounded by hooker/quilting friends and the New England landscape that ran in her blood. At age 84 Babs purchased a small cottage in Goodland, Fla. that represented her freedom and independence to live the final years of her life filled with visiting family and friends, and became a treasured member of Goodland’s community.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics,
Special Olympics Inc., 1133 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, https://secure.specialolympics.org.
