Hazel H. Barker
1921-2009

FARMINGTON – Hazel Hoyt Barker, Maine’s first public health nurse, who worked in the service of northern and western Maine’s families for over 40 years, died Aug. 6, 2009 in Farmington. She was 88 years old.

Born in Eliot, Hazel received her nursing diploma from Springfield Hospital School of Nursing in Springfield, Mass. and went on to obtain her certificate in public health nursing from Simmons College in Boston. Upon her graduation in 1946 she accepted a position with the state of Maine and began her long career of caring for the well and the sick of Franklin County.

The position required her to drive long distances to visit people in their homes, a task which was complicated by the fact that she didn’t have a driver’s license when she arrived in Maine. Hazel was undaunted. She sought out a license from a state official, who told her not to use it until she learned how to drive and after a few practice runs she set out alone through back roads, snow and unfamiliar country.

Her next adventure commenced with her marriage in April of 1948 to Lawrence Dana Barker, Sr. of Temple. She was to live in Temple until the last year of her life, which she spent in Farmington as a fortunate resident of the Pierce House.

Hazel Barker was a feisty, kind and intelligent woman who was a devoted member of the Methodist community. She was a beloved daughter and sister, wife and mother, aunt and grandmother. Among the many who will miss her joyful presence are her siblings, Dana Hoyt, Walter and Millie Hoyt, Clinton and Margie Savage, Eva and Ron Say, Jack and Sandy Hoyt, Bill Hoyt and Myrtle and Donald Haney; her children, Kathy and John Dorr, Judy and Lawrence D. Barker, Jr.; her grandchildren, Christian and Tracy Noel, Persephone Barker and Layla Barker Carroll; her great-grandchildren, Brittany and Kylie Noel; and many special nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband and two sisters, Louise and Lila.

BARKER – died in Farmington, Aug. 6, 2009, Hazel H., 88, of Farmington. A celebration of Hazel’s life will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Wiles Funeral Home, Cremation Service and Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington. Words of condolence may be sent via e-mail to info@wilesrc.com.

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