ROCKLAND — Barbara Ann Emerson, 74, passed away on Sunday, October 3, 2021, at Windward Gardens in Camden after a short illness.

She was born December 28, 1946 in Boston to Donald and Miriam (Brightman) Eddy.

In 1966 Barbara married Lawrence Emerson who would eventually develop Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and she would go on to raise thousands of dollars each year by participating in the MS walks.

She loved photography and was an avid photographer. Barbara was perhaps best known throughout the area as the “Hat Lady of Rockland”. She made and decorated hats for every occasion, driving her two daughters crazy!

Since she loved hats so much, it was only natural that she should join the local Red Hat Society. She loved going to lunch with them, overnight trips, cruises and various other trips.

Predeceased by her parents and her husband, Lawrence; she is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Bentley and her husband Robert of Rockland; Patricia Davis and her husband Clifford of Rockland; her brother, Donald Eddy Jr and his wife Donna of Charlottesville, Virginia; her grandchildren, Amber Rupe and her husband Travis of Tennessee; Tabetha Campbell and her husband Brian of Lewiston; Katherine Bentley and her fiancé Kevin Johnston of Rockland; Brea McAfee and her husband Ryan of Dover Foxcroft; Johnathan Burch and his girlfriend Keshia Robbins of South Thomaston; Katrina Burch of Waldoboro; Elizabeth Morcillo Carrasco and her husband Cristian of Lewiston; as well as many great grandchildren, including one special one, John Thompson V, who was born on her birthday. They always shared the day by going out to lunch and then to the movies.

She is also survived by many, many nieces, nephews and Red Hat sisters!

Family and friends are invited to visit Tuesday, October 12, 2021, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland.

A Graveside Committal Service will be held Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at 11 a.m., at Shuman Cemetery, Route 220, Waldoboro.

For those friends and family unable to attend the service in person, it will be available via webcast. To participate, go to Barbara’s Book of Memories at bchfh.com, click on the “Photos and Videos” button, then the “Watch Webcast” button.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to the Pope Memorial Humane Society, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.

To share a memory or condolence with Barbara’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at bchfh.com

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