1930 – 2012

RUMFORD — Barbara A. Aylward, 82, of Raymond Street, passed away at her residence, following a brief illness, in the company of her family.

She was born in Skowhegan, April 3, 1930, a daughter of John Frederick and Pearl (LeVasseur) Rice.

Barbara was a graduate of Mexico High School, Class of 1948. Prior to starting her family, she was employed as a legal assistant at Personal Finance Co. After her children were grown, she was the owner/operator of Ladies’ Choice.

Barbara was a homemaker who devoted her life to raising six wonderful children, who took great pleasure in her Rumford home and camp at Roxbury Pond. She loved family gatherings, dining out, gambling and sports, especially football. It’s a little known fact that she served the past 24 years as Mountain Valley’s football coaches personal consultant.

Surviving are her children, Michael R. Aylward and wife, Judy, of Westboro, Mass., Susan A. Jurgilas and husband, Frank, of Harpswell, Sandra A. Mickeriz and husband, Mark, of Wells, John P. Aylward and wife, Susan, of Rumford, James F. Aylward and wife, Melissa Forbes, of Jay, and Mary K. Wagner and husband, James, of Berlin, N.H.; a sister, Catherine Taylor and husband, Arthur, of Roxbury; 11 grandchildren, Sasha Jurgilas, Ian Jurgilas, Elizabeth LePisto, Laura Mickeriz, Kristen Giles, Brittany Aylward, Natalie Aylward, Jesse Aylward, Samantha Aylward, Madeline Aylward and Connor Wagner; three great-grandchildren, Ryzen Mickeriz and Jacob and Lola Cook; and two special nieces, Ellen Theriault and Rebecca Weston.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, F. Melvin Aylward; and a sister, Carolyn McCann.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Aylward family by visiting their guest book at www.SGThibaultFuneralHome.com.