Barbara Elaine McFarland

September 8, 1936 ~ August 16, 2023
Resided in:
Portland, Maine
Barbara Elaine McFarland
1936-2023
PORTLAND—Barbara Elaine McFarland, 86, of Portland, died Wednesday August 16 2023 in Portland.
She was born in Lewiston September 8, 1936 the daughter of Gerald and Gladys (Hall) Keene. She grew up in Auburn and graduated from Edward Little High School where she was a cheerleader. Shortly after graduating, Barbara went to work for New England Telephone, Later Verizon. She had several positions, over the years eventually retiring with over forty years of service.
Barbara was married to Hugh McFarland in 1968. They enjoyed their “Sunday drives”, dining out with friends, bowling and loved to entertain many friends and family, especially around the holidays.
Barbara loved living in Hugh’s childhood home on Whitney Ave in Portland for 42 years. They had a little Pekingese dog named SuSu that they loved very much. Barbara was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Barbara was predeceased by her husband and her brother, Gerald Hall Keene and his wife Dolores.
She is survived by her nieces, Rebecca Keene of Auburn, Debbie Lalemand and her husband Russell of Leeds, Penny Arnold and her husband Jay of Port St. Lucie, FL; nephew, Ronald Keene and his wife Kim of Old Orchard Beach; her brothers-in-law, John McFarland and his wife Joan of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia and Paul McFarland and his wife Sara of Springfield, VA; sisters-in-law, Ruth Neary of Torrington, CT and Jean Small and her husband Peter of South Portland as well as several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway South Portland on Saturday August 26 at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial donations in Barbara’s name may be made to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland.
To view Barbara’s memorial page or share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com
Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.
Dr. Seuss
I smile when I think of Aunt Barbie & all the good times I had with her and in her loving home. Many Thanksgiving meals were shared at her table. I will never forget the trip to Vegas and we thought we didn’t like to gamble lol. Aunt Barbie was such a lady and I will miss her so much. Love you Aunt Barbie Rest in Peace
Aunt Barbara was always such a kind and gracious host for her Canadian relatives passing through Maine. Fond memories of visits at Whitney Ave. with her and Uncle Hugh. Sending condolences from the Milne Family in Ottawa.
I was delighted to see her picture in her dance costume. As a little girl, I was so impressed with the picture of Barb that we had in one of her dance costumes. It made me smile.
My condolences to Barb’s nieces and nephews, as well as her inlaws. Barb always said how kind you all were to her and took good care of her.
Barb was my first cousin. My Dad was Gladys’ baby brother. My husband and I visited Barb twice when she was at her assisted living apartment. It was always a joy to see her and I always depended on her knowledge of the Hall family to fill in details for me.
I will miss her.
Smart, kind and loving.
Sweet lady
I remember Barbie and Hughie coming over one Christmas Eve when we had a North Easter, then I knew that they really loved my parent’s Christmas Eve parties. Neither rain nor snow would keep them from coming to enjoy good family company!
I am so sad to hear of Aunt Barbara’s death. She was truly a beautiful person with a warm heart. She always welcomed us into her home with open arms. She will be missed by all.
Love Taffy, Luc, Emile and Eric