1926 – 2016

LEWISTON — Barbara E. LaFontaine, 90, a resident of Greene passed away peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 4, at d’Youville Pavilion in Lewiston, following a long illness.

She was born in Deer Isle, Sept. 13, 1926, the daughter of Edward and Gladys (Damon) Bowden. She began grammar school in Seal Harbor and graduated from Trenton Public Grammar School, June 2, 1939. She went to Clark High School in Penobscot and graduated May 16, 1943.

Barbara came to Lewiston with a classmate to visit over Thanksgiving. While there she found work as a waitress at the Dewitt Hotel in Lewiston. She met Paul S. LaFontaine and they were married Sept. 16, 1945. They moved to Greene, where they made their home. Paul passed away March 6, 1988.

She worked at Clark Shoe Shop in Auburn in 1946; she also volunteered for the U.S. Air Force, Civil Defense Air Watch to watch for planes during World War II. She worked part time at Harry Therrien’s Diner, and volunteered with Girl Scouts from 1958-1962. On March 24, 1952, she went to work for Albany Felt Company, now known as Tex Tech Company in North Monmouth, retiring June 2, 1992.

Barbara was a past matron of O.E.S. Boynton Chapter No. 88. On April 29, 1967, she became a member of the Grand Cross of Color-Rainbow Girls. She was an active member of the Greene Baptist Church and a member of the Greene Senior Citizens since 1992. Barbara enjoyed walking, reading, music, reading, gardening and family visits and outings.

She is survived by her son, Dale E. LaFontaine and his wife, Patty, of Greene; her grandson, Justin E. LaFontaine; three great-grandchildren, Sarah, Jacob and Anna LaFontaine; her sisters, Gladys (Dwight) Blodgett of Brewer, Norma (Charles) Barrett of Turner, and Judith (James) Garland of Gorham.

She was predeceased by her parents; her grandson, Paul D. LaFontaine; and sisters, Virgie Sanborn and Lucille Fowler.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com

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