WARREN — It is with great sadness that the family of Barbara Lynne Dyer announces her passing at her home April 28, 2020, at the age of 63, peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Rockland, Dec. 2, 1956, she was the daughter of Richard and Jane (Escancy) Sprowl. Growing up in Warren, Barbara’s early childhood was centered around family, school and church, where she developed many lifelong friendships. Over the years the tight knit group of friends would sometimes lose touch, but it was later in life that Barbara cherished these friendships the most as she fondly referred to as the “rock painting group.”

Barbara was a graduate of the Class of 1975 at Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro. She excelled at school where she was a member of the National Honor Society, varsity cheerleading squad and participated in field hockey.

She later attended Andover Institute of Business in Portland, where she earned an associate’s degree in secretarial science in 1977.

Following college, Barbara spent time in Hawaii, where she pursued her career in business. She later returned to Newport, Rhode Island, where her son Matthew was born at the Naval Regional Medical Center in 1982. Matthew was one of the greatest joys of her life.

Returning to her roots, Barbara moved back to Maine, where she started her career in 1985 at the Samoset Resort, in Rockport, as an office manager and later joined the sales office as an assistant to the executive director of sales.

Barbara’s dedication and strong work ethic earned her “The Employee of the Year” award in 1989 and later she was the recipient of the General Managers Award in 1992. The “Samoset Days” included many special memories for Barbara. With over 15 years of service at the Samoset Resort she was blessed with many loyal, kind friendships, which she continued to maintain throughout her life.

In 2000, Barbara pursued another opportunity at MSAD 50 at the superintendent’s office on Starr Street in Thomaston as an administrative assistant and later worked in the business office doing payroll.

In 2009, her position transferred to Rockland, where she began working as a human resource specialist at RSU 13. Barbara was a dedicated employee, a true professional and well respected by all who knew her. Barbara will always be remembered for her ability to take on the concerns and problems of others, without hesitation, and make them hers and fix them with a smile.

Barbara lived her life as a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt and partner. She enjoyed painting rocks and taking long walks with friends, snowmobiling, car races, road trips, shopping trips, attending craft shows, and baking her famous Peanut Butter Blossoms and Chocolate Chip cookies for family.

Barbara loved he 70’s and 80’s rock music, which she referred to as the “good Music,” and paid tribute daily by listening to the WBLM 102.9.

Throughout her life, Barbara enjoyed many summer days and family gatherings at the Sprowl Family camp on Kennebec Lake in Appleton.

The center of Barbara’s life and greatest joy were her four grandchildren. Barbara blissfully and proudly attended each grandchild’s birth, every milestone and birthday celebration, and frequently accompanied them on summer vacations — always with a huge smile, full of love and hugs. She delighted in every soccer, basketball, and lacrosse game, cross-country meet, chorus concert, scholastic event and “Disney on Ice,” elated to simply be with her family.

Barbara was a generous and gentle woman, deeply devoted to her family, giving freely without every expecting anything in return. The grandchildren cherished the time they spent with their “Grammie.” Words cannot express how much joy she brought to those around her with her quiet, kind nature.

Barbara and her devoted partner of 25 years, Brent Pratt, spent their time together living in Warren.

Throughout their life, they enjoyed vacationing in Florida, and spending time up north in Sherman, enjoying the company of family and many friends.

Barbara will be forever remembered by Kyle Pratt. She played a strong role in his life. The birth of his son, Charles, Brough her gras joy and comfort.

Barbara was close to her parents, especially her mother. It is a special bond that spans the years when they shared many adventures together, with her mother always by her side. They shared a lot of laughs and smiles. Mother and daughter, their hearts as one — a link that can never be undone.

Barbara had a special relations with her niece, Ava, and nephew, Silas. She was a strong support of their interests and attended many of their sports and special events.

Barbara is survived by her devoted partner of 25 years, Brent Pratt, of Warren; son Matthew Dyer and his wife, Leslie, and grandchildren Charlotte, Carly and Benjamin, of Scarborough; Kyle Pratt and partner Kelly Wallace, and grandson Charles Pratt, of Friendship; parents Richard and Jane (Esancy) Sprowl, of Warrant; brothers Richard Sprowl and partner Nicole La Branche, of Liberty; Larry Sprowl and his wife, Jessica, of Chesapeake, Virginia; Michael Sprowl and his partner, Emily, and their daughter, Ava, of Appleton; sister Debra Ripley and her husband, Daren, and their son, Sylas, of Warren; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would also like to mention special friendships with Cindy Staples, Jeannie Wood, Sandri Curtis and Nola Metcalf.

Barbara’s life may have been cute short, but she touched the hearts of many while she was with us.

In honor of Barbara: “Do what’s right and what’s good. Be kind and help others. The world can always use one more kind person.”

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held in September.