Barbara (Harrington) White, 84, of Damariscotta, passed away peacefully following a brief illness on March 2 at Miles Hospital. She was the wife of the late William Orr White. Born in Charlotte, N.C. Barbara was the only daughter of Wallace and Helen (Hitchcock) Harrington of Eastport.
Her husband-to-be courted her at the USO dances at the Seabee base in Quoddy where she and her girlfriends enjoyed jitterbugging with the boys heading off to WWII. They married when he returned after the war and their life together was spent between towns in Maine and Ridgefield, Conn. They lived longest in Camden, first for a few years early in their marriage, then from 1970 until 2003.
Barbara had a full and rewarding life, appreciating her many friends and enjoying numerous activities. She was, often simultaneously, a mother, housewife, secretary, factory worker, den mother, and much more. She served for many years as the chief bookkeeper for the publishers of Downeast Magazine. Following her husband’s death and her subsequent retirement, Barbara volunteered at the Camden Public Library, traveled with friends, and visited with her family. Six years ago she moved to Schooner Cove in Damariscotta. There she was closer to her daughter, made many new friends, and participated in a wide range of activities.
Always quick to smile and laugh, she took immense joy in simple pleasures. She participated in the Miles of Friends program, which pairs elementary children with elders. Barbara took a deep interest in her young friends, following their lives, taking pleasure in their triumphs and offering love and comfort when it was needed.
Barbara is survived by her children and their families: son, Christopher W. White and wife Barbara (Truex) White of Windham, and their daughter, Aurora White of Providence, R.I.; son, W. Allan White and daughter Erica Diamond of Litchfield; son, David D. White and wife Robin (Parker) White of Herndon, Va., and children, Gordon White of Alexandria Va., and Leah White of Savannah, Ga.; daughter, Karen (White) Hight and husband Christopher C. Hight of Newcastle, daughters Emily Hight and fiancé Anthony Cantillo of Portland, and Mary Hight of Bangor.
Celebration of life 11 a.m., Sat., March 20 at Round Top Center for the Arts in Damariscotta. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend.
Donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to Miles of Friends or the Camden Public Library, 55 Main St., Camden, ME 04843.
Condolences for the family may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
