Gwen Barnes Murray passed away peacefully on Nov. 15 at Cove’s Edge in Damariscotta. Gwen was born on Jan. 1, 1930 in Old Town, daughter of former state representative Harold E. Barnes and Fannie (Kirby) Barnes.
Gwen married Dr. Walter C. Murray, and they ultimately moved to Connecticut to raise their daughters. Gwen also raised champion Old English Sheepdogs and Tibetan Terriers. Once their family was grown, Gwen and her husband moved back to their beloved state of Maine.
Gwen was a creative woman with a special talent for color, and used that flair to start her fiber arts farm, Tackitty Buit. There, she raised sheep and angora goats to produce quality yarns which Gwen dyed in an array of lovely colors. She sold her yarns under the name Mainely Mohair, and was a vendor at Common Ground Fair for several years. She also enjoyed gardening and became a Master Gardener.
In addition to her parents and husband, Gwen was predeceased by her daughter Carol; grandson, Logan; as well as six brothers and two sisters.
Gwen leaves behind her daughters, Amy Sharaf (Wayne Sharaf), Susan Murray (Bob Brzozowski), Chris Murray, Linda Murray, Colleen Gabrielle (Ed Gabrielle), Sandi Murray, and Heather Matthews; grandchildren, Greg, Josh, Emily, Sarah, Sami, Collin, Stacy, Ryan, Bryan, Valerie, Daniel, Cristina, Jennifer, Hillary, Katie, Luke, Sophie, and Grace; as well as great-grandchildren, Tanner, Natalie, Henry, Ira, Evelyn, Eddie, and Maddie.
Family and friends gathered for a celebration of life service on Nov. 19 at Granite Hills Estates in Hallowell.
Condolences, and messages for her family, may be expressed by visiting StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
