ROCKLAND — Barbara Studebaker, 67, died peacefully at her home in Thursday, January 4, 2018.  

Born on October 25, 1950 in Wareham, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of Walter B. and Arlene M. Bartlett Wakeman.  Barbara graduated from Morse High School in Bath and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Gordon College.

Barbara received her master’s degree in special education from the University of Maine and spent her career working as a special education teacher in Maine and Virginia, where she proved to be a great mentor and exceptional teacher.  In her spare time, Barbara was a performer with various community theaters, where she met her husband William R. Studebaker, with whom she celebrated 25 years of marriage last summer.

Barbara’s passion for textile and fabric work evolved into creating one of a kind and custom miniature work through her business, Studebaker Miniatures, which she shared with her husband. An Artisan with International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA), she contributed to miniatures magazines, organized the Miniaturists Club of Rockland, and as both an instructor and student of the IGMA Guild Schools, Barbara’s skills impacted people around the world. Her wit, talents, insights, and grace helped her form deep and lasting friendships with fellow members of her communities.

Barbara was predeceased by her father Walter in 2014. She is survived by her mother, Arlene Wakeman, of Rockland; her husband, Bill, of Rockland; stepchildren, Sara Studebaker and her family, Robert Studebaker and his family all of Winchester, Virginia, and Rachel Lowes and her husband, John, of Richmond, Virginia; her sister, Beth St. Cyr, and her husband, Phil, of Sanford, Maine; her brother, Andrew Wakeman, and his wife, Michele, of Belfast, Maine; along with various nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 1 to 2 p.m., Sunday, January 14, 2018 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, where a Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m.  The Reverend Dr. Linwood Welch will officiate.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Maine Health Care at Home, 22 White Street, Rockland, ME 04841 or the American Cancer Society, New England Division, Inc. One Main Street, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086-1240.

To share a memory or condolence with the Studebaker family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.