Karen Evelyn Barnett

BANGOR - Karen Evelyn Barnett, 60, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on January 26, 2015. She was born on May 30, 1954, in Island Falls, the daughter of William and Cecilia (Colberg) Barnett.

Karen grew up in Silver Ridge and graduated from Katahdin High School in 1972. Karen and her then husband, Richard Bell, owned and operated the Woodland IGA in Baileyville for 23 years. She also managed Friends Market in Presque Isle and was an AmeriCorps volunteer and Emergency Services Manager at the Red Cross in Portland during her career. Her most important role came as a caregiver to her parents in the last few years of her life.  Karen was actively involved in many community and educational programs during her time in Baileyville. She represented the business community as a mentor to children and helped to facilitate student activities for drug awareness. She was a board member and treasurer of the St. Croix Players which produced, directed and built community theatre in rural Maine. Karen had a passion for painting, art, gardening, reading, and women's activism. Most especially, she enjoyed her time spent with family and friends. She cherished her time spent at Silver Ridge, Meddybemps Lake and Stockton Springs with those special people in her life. Karen was a beautiful soul and will be remembered always for her compassion and generosity, her amazing strength and courage, and her love of family and friends. Her beautiful green eyes and big gorgeous smile warmed the heart of everyone she knew.

She is survived by her father; loving daughter and son, Marcie Bell-Boure and husband, Andy, John Bell and wife, Amanda; precious grandchildren, Kayla Gagner, Everett Hanson and Easton Bell. She has five devoted brothers, Maurice Barnett and wife, Michelle, Michael Barnett and wife, Angela, Peter Barnett and wife, Candy, Billy Barnett and wife, Mary, and Reggie Hartford. Her nieces and nephews include: Mariah Barnett, Brad Barnett, Eli Barnett, Josh Guiggey, Journey Giggey, Joleen Morgan and husband, Fred, Donald Merrill, Nick Barnett, Alex Barnett, Laura Barnett, David Hartford, Joseph Hartford, Holly Bell Ingram and husband, Bryan, Sarah Bell Thomas and husband, Mike, Sam Bell, Kevin Morgan, Eli Morgan, McKenzie Morgan, Gabriell Merrill, and Aiden Ingram; a special friend and companion, Elliot Chandler, will remember her fondly as will her dear friends Max and Allan Cameron, Mari and John Birmingham, Sally Perkins, Elaine Neilander, Liz Toner, Susan Bell, Kathy and Ed Bell, Kathy Hopkins, Moira Daniells, Sue Leavitt and Tonya Corriveau. Karen was predeceased by her mother; and a nephew, Eric Barnett.

A special thank you to Dr. Reuter and the wonderful staff at the Lafayette Center and the angels at EMMC Hospice.

Friends may call 12-2 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, at Brooking-Smith Funeral Home, 133 Center St., Bangor, where funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. In remembrance of Karen Barnett, those wishing to make a donation may do so to the Lafayette Cancer Center of Maine, 33 Whiting Hill Road, Brewer, ME 04412. For an online memory book and to leave condolences, please visit www.bowersfuneral.com.