WINDHAM – Barbara DeBeck Whidden, 87, of Gambo Road, died Feb. 23, 2006, at a Portland healthcare facility. Born April 2, 1918, in East Corinth, the daughter of Amaryia and Marie (Spratt) DeBeck and attended schools in Bangor. In 1992, at the age of 74, she returned to school earning her diploma from Windham High School. For most of her life, Mrs. Whidden enjoyed being a homemaker. In 1958, while raising her son, she served as a Cub Scout den mother, when the family lived in Presque Isle. In 1971, Barbara and her husband, Beryle, relocated to Gambo Road in South Windham and had lived there ever since. She was a member of the North Windham Union Church, the Maine Holden Order of the Eastern Star, as well as a member and officer of the African Violet Society. Barbara enjoyed knitting, having made many items for her grandchildren over the years. She was also an accomplished seamstress and made many of her own clothes. Beside a love for growing African Violets, her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandson. Her husband, Beryle D. Whidden predeceased her Feb. 26, 1977. Surviving are one son, Bruce D. Whidden and his wife, Joyce, of Windham; three grandchildren, Christopher J. Whidden, Rebecca D. Whidden and B. Darrel Whidden Jr.; and great-grandson, Seth Christopher Whidden. There will be no visiting hours. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at the North Windham Union Church, 723 Roosevelt Trail, Windham. Arrangements are by the Dolby Funeral Chapel, Windham. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Barbara’s name to, The American Cancer Society, New England Division, One Main St., Suite 130, Topsham, ME 04086.
BARBARA DEBECK WHIDDEN
