Barbara Louise Semrau

Maine - Barbara L. Semrau, 86, of Portland, ME, formerly of Jonesboro, AR, passed away on May 21, 2024. Barbara was born on February 24, 1938, in Niagara Falls, NY, to the late Leonard A. and Ethel Wagner. She grew up in New York and graduated from Buffalo State University. She continued her education at Vanderbilt College, where she received her master's degree. In 1960, Barbara married Louis Semrau. Following their graduation, Barbara and Louis joined the Peace Corps and volunteered in the Philippines. This experience ignited their passion for travel, leading them to explore many countries including Mexico, India, England, Spain, and more. After the Peace Corps, they moved about from Tennessee, to Oregon, to North Carolina, and finally settled in Jonesboro, Arkansas where Barbara founded a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children and teachers in Arkansas. Barbara had a deep love for bird watching, quilting, and her beloved dog, Echa. She was also passionate about nature, enjoying visits to national parks and spending time at the family summer camp near Acadia. Barbara is survived by her husband of 64 years, Louis Semrau of Portland; children, Lita Semrau and husband John Turk of Portland, and Tony Semrau of AR; brother, Richard Wagner and wife Charonne of VA; three grandchildren, Tea Semrau, John Turk, Dakota Elliot; and a great-grandson, Draco. Services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of Portland, ME. To view Barbara's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com. Memorial contributions may be made in Barbara's memory to Heifer International, www.heifer.org