1936
2019
SOUTH PORTLAND - Barbara Vail, 83, joined her husband of 60 years, Dick, in heaven on Sept. 4, 2019 after a battle with Alzheimer's disease.Barbara was born in Portland on June 20, 1936, daughter of Thomas and Anna (Legere) Foley. She was the youngest of four children. As a child Barbara attended Holy Cross School, St. Patrick's Grammar School, and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1954. Barbara met her husband Richard (Dick) in Portland and they were married Sept. 25, 1954. Barbara and Dick had seven children together, five boys and two girls. They enjoyed watching their family grow through the years. Barbara lived a selfless life, she worked hard and always put others needs ahead of her own. She was a stay at home mom for a little over ten years. She began working the night shift at Fairchild in South Portland, then worked briefly at Sylvania in Standish. She also supplemented the family income by cleaning doctors' offices after hours. She then returned to Fairchild where she enjoyed many years developing strong friendships retiring in 1997.She worked hard both in and outside of the home. As the family grew, she would assign chores and made sure the kids knew how to do them right. Each child was taught how to clean, do laundry, iron their own clothes, cook, and how to wash dishes by hand.Barbara's life was centered around her family. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren more than anything in this world. At their house in Buxton she enjoyed having her family, especially her grandchildren, around for pool parties on the weekends in the summer or big pots of spaghetti and meatballs in the fall or winter. She enjoyed knitting and made many beautiful afghans, kitchen towels, and the treasured 'dish rags' for her family. Barbara loved to go shopping. She especially loved shopping for Christmas, looking for just the right gift for each person wanting it to be special and always made sure she was fair when gift giving. She loved listening to the oldies and was always singing along. While she was cooking one of her delicious apple pies, driving her car, or folding piles of laundry you would hear her singing. She was so sacrificial with her love for her mother. She loved her mother "Ma" fiercely. She cared for her in her home and was an incredibly thoughtful and caring daughter. Barbara and Dick experienced lots of good times living for a few years in Florida after retirement near some of her siblings and close cousins. They returned to Maine after a few years finding it hard to be far from their children and grandchildren.In the last few years she was especially comforted by her little dog Max. He was her baby. She had an infectious laugh and warm welcoming personality. Everyone enjoyed her silly ways and her funny little sayings would always make us laugh. She had a way of making friends feel like family. She had a beautiful smile, a kind heart, and lots of love to give. Even in her last few years in residential care she reached out and would check on the other residents, making sure they were okay in a loving, caring way. To the mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, wife, and friend, she will be greatly missed by all.Barbara was predeceased by her parents and her husband.She is survived by her seven children, Richard Vail and wife Phyllis of Fort Myers, Fla., Michael Vail and wife Janet of Portland, Joseph Vail of Sinclair, Thomas Vail and wife Mari of Windham, Mark Vail and wife Vicki of Saco, Alicia Berglund and husband Andrew of South Portland, and Teresa Folley and husband Andrew of South Portland; her siblings Thomas Foley of Buxton, Dorothy Maloney of South Portland, and Anne Foley of Portland; many grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.A mass will be held at Holy Cross in South Portland on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Immediately following the mass will be the Interment at New Calvary Cemetery and then a reception at Hobbs Hospitality Center, 230 Cottage Rd., South Portland. On-line condolences may be shared at: www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.The family would like to thank the staff at Seaside, Compassus, and especially the exceptional staff at Webster Common for their love and compassion in caring for our mother. In lieu of flowers,contributions maybe made to:The Alzheimer's Association in her name athttps://www.alz.org/maine
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I worked with your Mom for many years at Fairchild.She was a wonderful caring person..You are in my thoughts and prayers.RIP sweet Barbara...
Shirley Brown
September 13, 2019
Mike and family, I am so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was one of my most favorite long time co-workers and friends at Fairchild. Please know that I am thinking of you and all of the members of your family. She was certainly one of the best! Thoughts and Prayers.
Michelle Daniels
September 13, 2019
Rick and Phyllis, we are so sorry for your loss. No matter the circumstances, losing a loved one is uniquely painful. We hope you can take comfort in the memories your family gathered through the years. Much love, Jeff and Cathy
September 12, 2019
Rick & Phyllis,
Debi & I are very sorry to hear about the passing of Rick's mom. Losing a parent or loved one is never easy and (speaking form experience with my mother) it is made much more difficult when you watch them deteriorate with Alzheimers disease.
Now that she is at rest and has joined your father once again, hopefully your memories of her will be of the happy & good times and not the struggles she and your family endured over the last few years.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family members during this difficult time.
Jack Miller
Jack Miller
Friend
September 11, 2019
Thinking of you during this tough time. My prayers to you and the family. Rest in peace now, Barbara.
Tucker Lehigh
Friend
September 10, 2019
So sorry Phyllis and Rick. She s definitely in a better place (speaking from my experience with my Mom). Even when we feel its for the best, it is never easy. Love and Hugs to you both. Becki & Colin
Becki Buzzard
Friend
September 9, 2019
I worked with barbar at fairchield for a lot of years .she was a very friendly person and cared a bout every one .and was alwas up beat .reat in pease
jean pettengill
September 9, 2019
Its been a blessing to know you and your dedication to your family and friends - Your family will miss your hugs and smile not forgotten for you are a part of them which is everlasting - you will be looking after them as usual in your next life - As they look up to the sky and see the stars remembering mom - May You Rest In Peace
Jeanie
Jean Clancy
September 9, 2019
Fly high my sweet angel! My life was forever blessed having you as a part of it. I will never forget your love for muffins, donuts, water, and coffee. The smile you put on people's faces when you entered a room and the warm hugs you greeted me with every morning before my shift started. Love you my sweet lady
Dee McPherson
September 8, 2019
Many prayers to all of you
richard matthews
Friend
September 8, 2019
Rick & Phyllis. So sorry to hear of your mothers passing please know youre in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time
Trese & Kevin Kelley
September 7, 2019
To the mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, wife, and friend, she will be greatly missed by all... is a beautiful tribute to Barbara Vail.
She had a tremendous impact on this Earth. God bless her.
Al and Barbara Berglund
Family
September 7, 2019
Loved your Mom and her infectious laugh. She loved her family so much and of course she lovedher dog...... Condolences and love to all
Karen and Ron Gacicia
September 6, 2019
Always in my thoughts and prayers. I will always remember our trips to Scarborough beach.
Cynthia (Cindy) Beckwith (Mac Donald)
Friend
September 6, 2019
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