VINALHAVEN — Barbara Ann Davidson, 78, passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2022 at Windward Gardens in Camden.

Born on December 31, 1944, on Vinalhaven, she was the daughter of Edward Turner White and Lily Anderson White. One of two children, she attended local schools. Proud of her Swedish roots, Barb grew up in the same house as her grandmother Hannah Anderson, a Swedish immigrant, along with her parents and her brother, Walter. Barb grew up an island girl and her heart was always on the island, no matter where she was.

In 1963, Barb married the love of her life, Cy Davidson. Together they made their home on the island, where they raised their three children. On April 8, 1987, Cy and Barb opened their own grocery store, Carver’s Harbor Market. Together they owned and operated the store for many years and to this day the market is still going strong. Barb and Cy were loved by the year-round residents, the summer residents, and their numerous friends from around the world.

Barb was acclaimed for being a kind hearted and loving woman who was most generous to those around her. She was strong and determined to be the best person she could be for her family and her community. Being quick witted and smart, she was known for having a spitfire personality, but also for being warm and kind. Barb was a true community leader and will be missed by all who knew her.

Family was at the utmost importance to Barb. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. You could always find Barb at one of her children’s events in various roles, whether that was acting as a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout leader or even as a basketball coach. Barb had a special love for watching any baseball game. She was always there for her children.

Barb enjoyed family camping trips during the summer with her family. She also loved traveling, especially to Aruba, where she frequented the beaches and casinos. She loved to gamble and was always very lucky. She and Cy returned to Aruba for many years and just like any place they went they always made many friends along the way. Though they travelled many years by themselves they also loved to go with all three of their children.

Famed for her extremely fun New Year’s Eve parties, which happened to double as her birthday, there was always delicious food, live music, and dancing. She was notorious for making a very potent eggnog that was always served on Community Night; refills were very popular amongst the crowd. The Davidson household was a home for their kids, but always welcomed anyone, making all that entered feel like family. It was a house filled with life and consistently entertaining.

Barb was a pillar of her community. She served on the Select Board, School Board, Vinalhaven Chamber of Commerce, Fox Islands Concerts, and was a founding member of Partners in Island Education, among other things. She was not only a local leader, but also the first female president of the Maine Grocer’s Association.

Other than her parents, Barb was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence W. “Cy” Davidson.

Barb is survived by her children, Hank Davidson and his wife Tina, Kris Davidson, Kimberly D. Radley and her husband Christopher, all of Vinalhaven; one brother, Walter White and his wife Janice White of Waldoboro; eight grandchildren, Meagan D. Miller, Amelia Davidson, Eliza Davidson, Libby Young, Alexandra Young, Matthew Young, Jordan Radley and Alec Radley; two nephews, Dana White and Scott White; one niece, Kelley W. Paradis; eleven great grandchildren; one cousin, Henrietta “Tutta” A. Winslow and her husband Charlie Winslow, and her best friend of over 50 years, Ann Farley.

A Memorial Service will be held on June 14, 2023, at 11 a.m., at the Union Church, 25 East Main St, Vinalhaven, ME 04863. This day would have been her and Cy’s 60th wedding anniversary. All are invited to attend a luncheon following the service at Skål, her daughter’s establishment which was named in honor of Barb and translates to “Cheers—to life!”. Skål is located at 6 Bodwell Lane - Carver’s Pond, Vinalhaven.

Those who would like to share a story or condolence with the Davidson family, may do so on their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street Rockland