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HAMM, Barbara Louise Freethey, 98, passed away peacefully in Bar Harbor, Maine on October 21, 2011. Barbara was born March 11, 1913 in Brooklin, Maine, the daughter of Harlie and Mary Allen Freethey. Her love for family lasted a lifetime, spanned nearly a century, and inspires all those she has left behind. While her passing separates her from us, Barbara has rejoined the man with whom she shared 68 years of her life, her husband, Arthur Hamm. They met in Bar Harbor when he was a young mate on Atwater Kent's sailing yacht at Sonogee and she was personal secretary to Mrs. R. H. McCormick. They married in 1934 and settled in Florida, where Barbara's open and compassionate nature soon made her a vital part of the community of Morningside. During WWII, her unyielding spirit and her ability to share with family and friends gave her solace, while Captain Hamm risked the hazards of the North Atlantic in wartime. After the war, Barbara directed her vibrant spirit to helping Arthur make his charter boat venture a success. Her keen business acumen paired perfectly with her husband's idealistic love of the sea, bringing enjoyment and success where many others have found difficulty and disappointment. Together, Barbara and Arthur spent their lives near and on the ocean: in business and pleasure, boating and fishing, providing a living and a lifetime of memories for the family. Their love of the sea is as immortal as their love for each other, living on in their children and grandchildren. Throughout her life, Barbara cherished her summers in Brooklin and Bar Harbor spent with family and friends, caring for her dogs and tending her flowers. Affectionately known to many as Nene, we will all remember her loving and giving nature. Thank you--mother, grandmother--for always being there in our lives. You are an inspiration. All of us who were touched by your life will carry your love with us as we move on. You are with us in our hearts and memories. Barbara is survived by her daughter and son, Barbara H. Rank and Arthur W. Hamm; her grandchildren, Barbara Rank Dancewicz, Katrina Rank, Jon Rank, Kirsten Smith, Johanna Hamm, Artika Hamm, Hudson Hamm and Hadley Hamm; and her great-grandchildren, Aries Fienberg, Chloe and Ella Dancewicz, Grace Hamm and Edgar Smith. Barbara rests in the Brooklin Cemetery alongside her devoted husband. She was a member to the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution.
Published in Miami Herald on September 13, 2012
