1938 – 2015

AUBURN — Barbara Ann (Fancy) Ellery, 76, of Bailey Hill Road, Poland, passed away on Friday, May 22, at the Androscoggin Hospice House after a long illness.

Barbara was born in Farmington on July 3, 1938, to Arthur and Vivian (Porter) Fancy. She grew up and attended schools in Winthrop, and graduated from the Gorham State Teachers College in 1960, with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She met her husband, Robert, in college, and they were married on July 16, 1960.

She and Robert settled in Poland and have called it home since 1967. They raised their three girls and a number of pets that were considered family.

Barbara’s teaching career spanned 34 years, 30 of which were in the first grade at McMahon Elementary in Lewiston. Upon her retirement in 1994, Barbara enjoyed traveling, oil painting, reading, word searches, puzzles and spending time with her grandchildren. She looked forward to monthly luncheons with former teaching colleagues. Barbara’s compassion carried over into the many charities to which she enjoyed donating, particularly animal rescue groups.

Barbara will be sadly missed by her husband, Robert; daughters, Patricia Ellery of Poland, and Candace Grist and her husband, Eric, of North Smithfield, R.I.; grandchildren, Lindsay Abrams, Abigail and Rebecca L’Italien, Katlyn and Robert Barnard of Poland, and Matthew and Katherine Grist of North Smithfield, R.I.; her cousin, Gordon William Porter of Oriental, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter, Suzanne Ellery, in 2007.

Barbara’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks for the comfort and care she received from the staff and volunteers at the Androscoggin Hospice House. Condolences can be expressed at www.chandlerfunerals.com.