1922 – 2015

HARPSWELL — Barbara Vinal Gent died Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015.

Born July 30, 1922, in Lewiston, Barbara was the daughter of Frances (Turgeon) and Daniel Wiggin and granddaughter of Albert and Annie (Scott) Turgeon and Ralph and Gertrude (Yeaton) Wiggin. As a child she lived in Auburn and Yarmouth.

She was very proud of her L-A roots and did extensive family history research.

She graduated from Smith College in 1944 and later earned a master’s degree from Trinity College in Hartford, Conn.

She was a high school English teacher for many years. In 1949, Barb married Calvin B. Vinal II of Vinalhaven. They raised their two children in Rocky Hill, Conn. After his death, Barb returned to teaching and purchased a cottage in Harpswell, where she spent her summers thereafter.

In 1973, Barb married Raymond A. Gent. After his death, Barb moved to Maine, claiming Harpswell as her legal residence and living in Brunswick and Florida when unable to be at her beloved “green cottage” on Quahog Bay.

Throughout her life, Barb was actively involved in the Episcopal Church, largely through her work with the National Altar Guild Association. Barb co-authored “The Altar Guild Book” and “The New Altar Guild Book.”

Barbara is survived by her two children, Calvin B. Vinal III of North Branford, Conn., and Frances Vinal Farnsworth of Brandon, Vt. She also is survived by seven grandchildren, and stepsons, Timothy and Christopher Gent and their families.