ROCKLAND - Barbara P. Smalley, 93, died peacefully at home with her son, Richard, and hospice staff, after a long illness on September 19, 2018.

She was predeceased by her husband, Harold Richards, in 1956.  They had a daughter, Linda Richards, who was 10 years old at the time of her father’s death.  Now a single mother, Barbara accepted a position at New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, where she was employed until the office closed in 1982.

In 1964, Barbara married, Bernard "Buzzy" Smalley, and they had a son, Richard Smalley.

One of Barbara's endearing attributes was being the ultimate caregiver to family and friends.  When someone was sick or seriously ill, she made up the bed in the spare bedroom and welcomed them with open arms.  Her son, Richard, remarked, when it came to helping others, the word, no was not part of her vocabulary.  Many of her family members and friends enjoyed a healing stay at Barbara Smalley's home over the years.  She enjoyed helping others so much, that when the telephone office closed, she became a certified nurse’s aide (CNA), so she could provide comprehensive support to more people.

As great as she was as a caregiver, it was her family that she cherished beyond all measure. When her daughter, Linda, married her soulmate, Steven Ladd, and they had their two children, Anissa and Michael, there was no containing her happiness. 

When Anissa got married, Barbara wholeheartedly embraced, Natalie, Anissa's step-daughter with open arms. 

A short time later, Michael and his wife, Sara, had their three boys, Jacob, Cooper and Griffin, she was over the moon with happiness.  To this day, anyone who talked to Barbara, could immediately see her passion for all of her children.  Whether it was with pictures or stories, friends and acquaintances quickly discovered her love for all.

When her beloved daughter, Linda, succumbed to a long bout of MS and Lupus, she encouraged Steven to heal and live his life to the fullest.  Later, Steven married, Mary Gustin.  Barbara often noted that many sons-in-law would likely move on with their new family, but not Steven.  If you were lucky enough to be part of his family, you were for life.  Both Steve and Mary embraced Barbara with open arms, and she embraced them with all of her heart.

Barbara is survived by her loving son, Richard, formerly of Connecticut, who moved back to Maine to take care of his ailing mother three years ago.  He was her full time caregiver, and feels fortunate that his mother shared the gift of caregiving at a young age, which has allowed him to embrace all people, regardless of who they are or where they came from.

During her illness, Barbara was fortunate to have very special people in her life, her niece, Debbie Lechleitner, and her daughter Jenn Lechleitner of New York.  Both, Barbara and Rich could not thank the following people enough for being critical respite over the last two months; Bessy and Herman, Priscilla, Florence and Janet.

The Smalley family sincerely appreciates the tireless (and underpaid work) of Barbara's hospice team, which included volunteers.  They were instrumental in providing comfort and love during the darkest times.  Barbara and Rich agreed, that they had not met true angels on earth until Jo, Val, Regina, Erin, Betsy and Pat came into their lives.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, September 27, 2018 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.  The Reverend Kenneth Dale will officiate.  Interment will follow at Village Cemetery, Thomaston.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Salvation Army, 27 Payne Road, Rockland, Maine 04841.  

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