VERONA – Barbara Eggert, 87, passed away peacefully Monday, Aug. 18, 2008, at a Bangor health care facility. Her life had been devastated by Alzheimer’s disease, which held her captive for more than 12 years. She was born Feb. 23, 1921, in New York City, daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Eck) Eccles. Growing up in New York, she was a competitive high school and college athlete. She graduated from Manhattanville College in 1943 with a degree in mathematics. She enlisted in the U.S. Navy upon graduation. The Navy assigned her to serve in a radar unit and while in training she was assigned to sit next to a Marine officer, Franklin P. Eggert. They married July 1945. After moving to Orono in 1949, she raised a family of four boys while Frank served on the faculty of the University of Maine. After a move to Verona, upon retirement, Barbara, with Frank’s help, began a new career and life as an organic farmer. She raised vegetables for area restaurants and to sell in her farm stand. She also raised sheep and goats, using their wool to become an accomplished spin-ner, weaver and knitter. She was an active member of MOFGA and regularly participated in the Wednesday Spinners’ “Sheep to Shawl” exhibition at the Common Ground Country Fair. She led a busy and active farming life until her illness no longer allowed her to live independently. Barbara is survived by her four sons and their wives, Paul and Karen Eggert of Portland, Michael and Rose Eggert of Charlotte, Vt., Geoffrey and Harriet Eggert of Orr’s Island, and Jonathan and Edythe Eggert of Verona; her grandchildren, Erin Brenner, Eliza Eggert, Jesse Eggert, Adam Eggert and Andrew Marsh, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Franklin P. Eggert; and her sister, Doris Moltke. Family and friends may visit 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday at Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home, 28 Elm St., Bucksport. Gifts in her name may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 170 U.S. Route One, Suite 250, Falmouth, ME 05105.