Barbara Mae Buzzell

RUMFORD – “Death is the last shadow before Heaven’s dawn.” After a fulfilling life, Barbara Mae Buzzell, 83, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023 at Rumford Hospital.

She was born in Rumford on May 18, 1940, the youngest child of John and Evelyn (Daley) Robbins. Barbara attended Dixfield Schools and then met and married her loving husband, Harold F. Buzzell on Feb. 20, 1960. They enjoyed 41 wonderful years raising their children before his death in 2001. They enjoyed many good times at their camp in Eustis to hunt, fish or snowmobile making memories to cherish.

For 30-plus years, Barbara was a co-owner with her longtime friend Ellen Palmer, of the Dixfield Upholstery Shop. Their work was widely recognized for the attention to detail and great workmanship. She was an accomplished seamstress, making beautiful wedding dresses and other clothing, as well as Raggedy Ann dolls, Cabbage Patch kids, and doll clothes. When she wasn’t sewing, she enjoyed painting, and clogging with her dance group, but most of all, “Barbie” enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her children, Joyce Pfoh and her husband Robert of Sebago, Julie Hall and her husband Clinton of Dixfield, Wayne Buzzell of Wilton and Cynthia Buzzell of Jacksonville, Fla.; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; plus many special nieces and nephews. She leaves behind her long-time companion, James Scott of Dixfield; and two sisters-in-law, Theresa Robbins and Joyce Robbins. Barbara was predeceased by her nine brothers, Vivian, Alston, Vernon, Ernest, Sherwood, Walter, Oscar, Donald and David Robbins, and a sister, Muriel (Robbins) McAuley; a special daughter-in-law, Wanda (Farrington) Buzzell, wife of Wayne of Wilton; also, Harold’s three sons, Harold, Harvey, and Robert Buzzell.

Friends and family are invited to share memories with the family at http://www.meaderandson.com.

There will be private family graveside service held at Greenwood Cemetery with a public Celebration of Life at the Webb River Sportsman’s Club, Canton Point Rd., Dixfield on Sunday Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Meader and Son Funeral Home, 3 Franklin St., Rumford.