MAPLETON – Barbara Higgins Waddell passed away Feb. 17, 2008, at a Presque Isle health care facility, at the age of 91. She was born July 23, 1916, in Bridgewater, the daughter of Bert and Margaret (Smith) Slipp. She graduated from Bridge-water Classical Academy in 1933 and from Aroostook Nor-mal School in 1935. She taught in a one-room school for a year before moving to Mapleton in 1937, where she lived for the rest of her life. She married Melvin “Toby” Higgins in 1938 and together they raised three children. Toby passed away in 1965 and she married Woodrow Waddell two years later. She and Woodie enjoyed many wonderful years together, until his death in 2003. Barbara returned to teaching in 1957 at Mapleton Elementary School, where she taught until her retirement in 1978. She was a caring and generous member of her family, church and community. She was a member of Mapleton United Baptist Church for more than 70 years and served as secretary of its Missions group. She was active in the Mapleton Senior Citizens organization and served as its secretary for many years. Barbara was a member of the Retired Teachers Association and Pythian Sisters, Mapleton. She enjoyed reading poetry and entertaining friends. Her home was a gathering place for family and friends. Barbara is survived by her three children, Marilyn Higgins Carter and her husband, Dennis, Louise Higgins Seeley, all of Mapleton and Marvin Higgins and his partner, Sue Gilbey, of Searsmont. She was so proud of her grandsons, Daron and Martin Carter, and Melvin and Eric Higgins. She dearly loved her several great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, at Mapleton United Baptist Church. Visiting hours will precede the service 2-3 p.m. Her good friend and pastor, the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Phelps will conduct the service. In lieu of flowers, she would be pleased to know that gifts in her memory were sent to either Mapleton United Baptist Church, P.O. Box 190, Mapleton, ME 04757 or to Homeless Services of Aroostook, Sister Mary O’Donnell Shelter, P.O. Box 1753, Presque Isle, ME 04769. Arrangements are in the care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com.
BARBARA SLIPP HIGGINS WADDELL
