ROCKLAND - Barbara Flora Dow Vinal, 83, of Rockland, entered the gates of Heaven on June 16, 2014.

Barbara was a loving mother and a loyal and generous friend. She had a wonderful, comical sense of humor and a sharp wit. Barb always had a twinkle in her eye, a smile on her face and a helping hand to lend to anyone in need.

Barbara was a natural caregiver and loved working as a registered nurse at Maine Medical Center for more than 21 years.

She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband of 20 years, Delbert Vinal of Rockland; by her parents, Robert and Olive Dow of Owls Head; and a brother, Robert “Bobby” Dow of Rockland.

She is survived by one son, Robert Maynard Gray of Michigan; and one daughter, Phyllis Stickney and her fiance, Kevin Giles, of Salem, N.H. After Delbert's death, Barbara lived with Phyllis and Kevin. While there, she met and fell in love with Kevin's young granddaughter, Alyssa Zissi. Barbara loved that child, calling her “the great graddaughter of my heart.”

Barbara is also survived by seven siblings, Jane and her husband, David Thorndike, of Covinton, La., Doris and her husband, Harold Clarke, of Rockland, Sylvia Smith of Rockport, John “Steve” Dow of Owls Head, Daniel and his wife, Victoria Dow, of New Port Richie, Fla., James and his wife, Katherine Dow, of Owls Head, and David Dow of San Antonio, Texas. She is also survived by her stepson, David and his wife, Patty Vinal, of Rockland; her stepdaughter, Darlene and her husband, Walter Dudley, of Waldoboro; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Service and interment to be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are with Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.