BARBARA A. MCGUIRE, LINNEUS – Barbara A. McGuire, 83, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on February 10, 2018. She was born on March 18, 1934, in Blaine, to Birdie (Sparrow) and David Dewitt.
She graduated from Hodgdon High School, Salutatorian of her class in 1953. During her high school years she was an avid basketball player and lifelong fan of sports. After graduation, she worked at Houlton Pioneer Times as a secretary for several years. On April 20, 1956, she married Darrell McGuire. Together they raised five children and started their family business, Darrell C. McGuire & Sons, where she managed the office for 30 years.
Barbara’s biggest joy in life was her family. She would always be seen on the bleachers following her children and grandchildren, as well as her nieces and nephews playing various sports. She regularly traveled to regional and national softball tournaments following her family’s teams. Barbara loved family gatherings, large Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners, and was known for her many famous homemade treats, specifically her chocolate cake with fudge frosting and brown bread.
Barbara is survived by her daughters, Catherine and Terry Reeves of Houlton, and Elizabeth McGuire of South Portland; sons, Douglas and Sarah McGuire of Rustburg, VA, Brent and Shellby McGuire, Jonathan and Heather, all of Linneus; grandchildren, Brian and Cheryl Oliver, Jennifer and Shannon Hogan, Ashley and Ryan Hallett, Brad and Heather McGuire, Nicholas McGuire, Dillon McGuire, Bailey McGuire, Jordan McGuire, McKenzie and Christopher Lezotte, Jared McGuire, Ellen McGuire, Meg McGuire and fiancé, Matt Furrow; eight very special great-grandchildren; her brother, Dewey Dewitt, brother-in-law, Carl and Lana McGuire; sisters-in-law, Shirley Thompson, Joanne Howe, Marlene Hogan, Charlotte Ash, and Viola Hersey; her best friend of 70 years, Donalene Blackie, as well as dear friends Aleta Shea, Vallie Stewart, Joyce White, and Lucy Colbath. She also leaves behind many very special nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her beloved husband of 55 years, Darrell; her daughter, Julie Rae, and an infant son; her brothers, Bert Dewitt and Robert Ash; and sisters-in-law, Lucy DeWitt and Natalie DeWitt.
A special thank you to her granddaughter, Jennifer Hogan who has been her caregiver, companion, and guardian angel here on earth, and to mom’s caregiver, Darlene McGary, who has become family.
Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, February 15, 2018, Houlton Wesleyan Church, where funeral services will be held 12 noon on Friday, Feb. 16, with the Rev. Wayne Robertson officiating. A spring interment will be in the Linneus Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to the Ark Animal Sanctuary, 70 Main Street, Houlton, ME 04730, or to the Houlton Humane Society, 263 Callaghan Road, Houlton, ME 04730. For an online memory book and to leave condolences please visit www.bowersfuneral.com
