Barbara Manchester Biederman, 100, passed away in the early hours of Aug. 17 at Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta. Barbara was born in Winsted, Conn. on Aug. 16, 1912, the daughter of the late Irving E. Manchester and Emily Gallup Haigh Manchester.
She attended the Winsted schools, graduating in June 1930 from Gilbert High School. Following her graduation from Syracuse University in 1934, she worked at the Hartford Hospital as a laboratory technician until she joined the U.S. Navy as a WAVE, being stationed at Brooklyn Navy Yard working in the field of Radio, Radar and Sonar. Eventually she was transferred to Washington, D.C. to the Bureau of Ships. She served for over three years, being detached in June of 1946 at the rank of Lieutenant, at which time she returned to employment at Hartford Hospital.
During her 20 years at the hospital, Barbara became a pilot and was licensed for multi-engine land, as well as single engine sea planes, making many trips with the Ninety-Niners Women’s Flying Organization, twice flying in the All-Women’s Air Race (Powder Puff Derby) across the country and back. She often flew her plane to South Bristol where she had spent the summers of her childhood with her family on Point Priscilla in McFarland’s Cove.
In July of 1956 Barbara was married to William G. Biederman of Hartford, Conn. at the Old Walpole Meeting House in Walpole. They made their home in Fishkill, N.Y. where Barbara was a member of the Christ United Methodist Church of Beacon, N.Y. The couple enjoyed travel, journeying to Europe, Australia, and China among others. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in July 2006. Her husband passed away on Jan. 10, 2010.
Barbara was predeceased by her brothers, Russell, Lloyd, and Randall; and sisters, Catharine and Priscilla.
She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for both Barbara and her husband, Bill, will be held in July of 2013 at Point Priscilla, to be officiated by Rev. Thomas Olcott of Hilo, Hawaii, a nephew.
Condolences, and messages 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.
