Barbara Pillsbury

KENNEBUNK – Barbara, our beautiful mother, grandmother, friend and mentor, passed on Oct. 5, 2022 at the age of 85. Barbara was born in Portland, and was raised and loved by her parents, Carl and Hannah Rhodes of Goodwins Mills.

Barbara held herself to very high standards which accounted for her many achievements over her life. Barbara graduated from Kennebunk High School in 1955 and went on to study at the Gorham State Teacher’s College. After graduating from college, Barbara returned to Kennebunk to spend the next 42 years working for the MSAD 71 school system. Barbara held a number of positions there, including classroom teacher, reading teacher (The Roving Reader), special education teacher, first female special education director, assistant superintendent, and at the culmination of her career, the first female superintendent for the MSAD 71 school system.

If asked, Barbara would tell you that her greatest achievement was raising her daughters Jill Schatz (husband, Lee Schatz) of Maine, Joan Anderson (husband, Tommy Anderson) of Arizona, and Jane Lindland (life partner, David Rifkin) of Massachusetts.

Her pride and joy include her four grandchildren, Carisa Ricker (husband, Matt Ricker) of Maine, Nick Lindland of Florida, Emily Schatz (husband, Nathan Elmore) of Maine, and Mackenzie Lindland of Massachusetts.

Barbara met her biological mother, Fan Bryant of Alna (husband, Cleve Bryant) in 1996. She was pleased to gain two sisters, Suzanne Wing (husband, Rich Wing) of Massachusetts, and Cheryl Hammond (husband, Bryan Hammond) of Alabama. With this newfound family, Barbara inherited many wonderful cousins and extended family members. Barbara cherished her many wonderful memories with her biological mother, sisters and cousins at Damariscotta Lake in Maine.

Barbara’s retirement years were filled with many wonderful trips abroad with dear female friends, monthly dinner groups with friends from her years in the field of education, enjoying her home on Swan Pond in Lyman, and spending a great deal of time with family, friends, and wonderful neighbors at her home in Wells.

Barbara will be most missed for her loving heart, loyal friendships, and the ability to always see the cup half full. Barbara will forever be loved and remembered with a warm smile and a tear.

A celebration of life will come full circle when we remember Barbara at the Barbara R Pillsbury Library at the Kennebunk Middle School, 60 Thompson Rd., Kennebunk, ME 04043, on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. Masks are kindly requested to be worn by those who have not received their COVID-19 vaccination.

To leave a message of condolence, please visit Barbara’s book of Memories Page at http://www.bibberfuneral.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St. Kennebunk.

In lieu of flowers,

donations would be appreciated in her name for your favorite charity.