Barbara M. Sanborn

WALES – Barbara M. Sanborn, 93, of Wales, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, loving family by her side. Kind and sincere, wise and funny, graceful and tenacious, she cared deeply for others while cultivating valued relationships, and mentoring friends and family through the quiet, loving conviction of her faith.

She was born April 18, 1931, in Sabattus, the daughter of Harry M. Austin and Emma A. (Sawyer) Austin. She graduated from Sabattus High School in 1949. After traveling to California, she returned east to graduate from Auburn Maine School of Commerce. Through a classmate’s bowling night invitation, she met David J. Sanborn and often recounted how he “wiggled his ears” at her on their first date. On Oct. 12, 1952, they married in Sabattus. After David’s return from Korea, they settled in Wales to raise their children, Lynne, Ralph, Barry and Laurel, on the family farm. As loving partners, they shared 61 wonderful years together before David’s 2013 passing. They were faithful members of Sabattus Community Baptist Church, and devoted friends to many.

Barbara is survived by four children, Lynne Brooks, and husband David of Lisbon Falls, Ralph J. Sanborn and wife Carol of Wales, Barry Sanborn of Pensacola, Fla., and Laurel Morton and husband Charles of Syracuse, NY; five grandchildren, Lisa Craig and husband Michael, Erik Sanborn and wife Michelle, Jason Brooks and wife Katie, Jordan Morton and Austin Morton; five great-grandchildren, Ethan Brown, Jackson and Jillian Sanborn and Nolan and Grant Brooks; sister Marilyn Thorpe; and many nieces and nephews who brightened her years. She was predeceased by her parents, husband David, sisters June Scales and Evelyn Given, and brother Frederick Austin.

Messages of condolences may be made to: finleyfuneralhome.com

Memorial service Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, 11 a.m. at Community Baptist Church, 9 Main Street, Sabattus, Maine. Visitation Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, 2 – 4 p.m. and 5 – 7 p.m. at BRAGDON-FINLEY FUNERAL HOME, 707 Main Street, Monmouth, Maine. Private family interment at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Celebration of Life Luncheon following the service, Wales Youth Center, 668 Pond Rd. Wales, Maine.

In lieu of flowers,

contributions may be made in Barbara’s memory to:

Attn: Food Pantry

Community Baptist Church

9 Main Street

Sabattus, ME 04280 or:

Andwell Hospice House

15 Strawberry Ave.

Lewiston, ME 04240