UNION — Barbara Ann Vittum, born June 29, 1957, in Ellsworth, passed over on July 6, 2021 in Rockport, after a long illness with cancer.

Barb, affectionately known as Barbie Beara, was larger than life. Known for her incredible wit and gift of play, Barb will be remembered for her capacity to love and for her compassion. Barb revealed many attributes: warrior, advocate, healer, nurturer, boundless curiosity, reverence, entrepreneur, comedian, having faith and trust in God that God will take care of it, unsurpassed integrity “when the chips were down, keep going and stay focused on divine guidance.”

Many of her close friends received special nicknames: Pookie, Bran-Muffin, Moonsie, Mother Martha, Lucy, Lucky Bastard, Ron the Fussy Painter, Jan-NICE, My brother from a different mother, Wicky Wills and more.

Barb was a Huguenot, her proudest heritage.

She is predeceased by her beloved parents, Kenneth David Vittum and Eleanor May (Aldrich) Vittum.

She is survived by her special friend and caregiver, Holly DeYoung; treasured brother, Steven Vittum and brother-in-law Brent Lawyer; and numerous cousins, relatives and friends whom she adored.

Barb’s zeal for life was reflected in her entrepreneurial adventures: creating Hancock Grocery with her parents at age 19; creating The Vineyard (a community centered wine store on Main Street, Bucksport); establishing a nonprofit organization in 2009: The Cancer Support Center of Maine, reflecting a statewide footprint with a mission to provide navigation supports for free to those affected by cancer; and creating the Uncommonly Good Specialties shop in the heart of Union with her beloved friend, Holly DeYoung.

Barb’s legacy is reflected in her quest to create the nonprofit Cancer Support Center of Maine (CSCOM) after her journey with breast cancer. She acknowledged the value of her network of friends who provided lifesaving psycho-emotional and physical support and established a year-long process to create the CSCOM with a mission to provide navigation support to those affected by cancer and cancer prevention education and support.

The CSCOM (dissolved in May 2021) was a small but mighty organization, operating in an unorthodox way on a small budget with a very committed Board. The unorthodox creativity resulted in cancer prevention lifestyle-changes success for numerous clients and families in Maine. Barb continued to take phone calls and provide navigation support to clients with cancer from her hospice bed.

Her legacy includes consistently responding to the needs of others. Barb felt you didn’t need to be like Andrew Carnegie passing out dimes to make positive differences in people’s lives.

Barb’s second cancer (twenty years after her first) was devastating. The love and support of friends and family and the Peoples United Methodist Church family helped temper the months of progressive symptoms of cancer. Heartfelt gratitude is offered for the many who donated time, money, heartful support and more.

A Go Fund ME page, initiated by a special friend, eased the stress of mounting medical expenses. Deep appreciation is ever present for the many who responded to the request to help.

The Memorial Service will be held August 14, 2021  at noon, at the Sennebec Farm Weddings & Events, 323 Sennebec Rd., in Union, with Pastor Elizabeth Bailey-Mitchell officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Barb requested memorial gifts be made to PUMC, 31 Depot St., Union, ME 04862 to support the desperate needs of parishioners and local community members. 

“Love Never Fails” 1 Corinthians 13.

Condolences may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.