GARDINER – With the customary grace, courage and dignity with which she lived her life, Barbara Temple died peacefully on Nov. 26, with her loving family by her side.

She was born in Kingston, N.Y., on Nov. 9, 1924, a daughter of Kathleen Mary Owens and E. MacLeod Smith. She attended schools in Kingston, Woodstock and Shady, N.Y., and graduated from Edward Little High School in 1943. She graduated from New York Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in 1947.

She married Norman J. Temple in 1949 and resided in Gardiner, where their three children were born and raised.

She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Gardiner, where she taught Sunday School for many years and belonged to St. Anne’s Guild. She was active in Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts and Parent/Teacher Organizations. Barbara was also active in Gardiner and state politics, chairman of the Board of Registration in Gardiner and secretary of the Gardiner Republicans.

She was very active in the Red Cross Well Baby Clinic in Gardiner and other medical organizations. She was a long-time member and former board member of the Gardiner Current Events Club. She was a board member of the Gardiner Public Library as well as a member of the Friends of the Gardiner Library Organization. She belonged to the Augusta Country Club and the Methodist Hospital Alumni Association. She was a member of long standing in the Gardiner Savings Institution as advisory board member. She had a passion for the game of Bridge and belonged to several area Bridge clubs.

Barbara’s special love had always been her family, husband, Norman; daughter, Kim; and sons, Jeffrey and Christopher. She felt very blessed to have spent so many years with them all, enjoying all of their accomplishments. She was loved and cherished by each of them.

In addition to her husband of 56 years, Barbara leaves her children, Jeffrey M. Temple and wife, Debra, of Gardiner; Kim Temple Fast and husband, Robert, of Wilton, and Christopher O. Temple and wife, Gina, of Gardiner. She is also survived by grandchildren, Andrew Temple, Cassi Knaggs, Joseph Bureau, Michelle Bureau, Hilary Fast, Meredith Fast, Linda Fast Jodrie, Robert Fast Jr., Grace Temple, Samuel Temple, Lillian Temple and Oliver Temple; and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Owen M. Smith of Saco; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a sister, Helen Smith Vosburgh.

Having her family living close by was a constant joy to Barbara. Shortly before her death she wrote, “I love you all – it’s been a great life. You all have made my life so wonderful.”

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