Cecilia Marier Barnard, "Celia", 77 years old of Wiscasset, ME and Sun City Center, FL went home with Jesus on Tuesday, Feb.19, 2013 following a short stay at Life Path Hospice House in Ruskin, FL.
Celia was born November 15,1935 in Portland, ME to parents Rene and Eva Boivin Marier, the second of four daughters. Celia grew up in Westbrook, ME and graduated from St. Hyacinth's School and Westbrook High School before graduating from Gray's Business School. She maintained a strong relationship with her childhood friends from Westbrook and until her death was an active member of her High School Reunion Committee who met several times annually in both Maine and Florida.
After finishing school, Cecilia married her longtime sweetheart, Richard Barnard (formerly of West Buxton, ME) in June of 1957. For the first twenty years they raised their family in Westbrook before moving to Auburn, ME. Soon after their move to Auburn, they purchased "The Camp" in Boothbay Harbor, ME and started spending summers in Boothbay Harbor and winters in Florida.
In addition to raising their five children, Celia was an accomplished artist and business woman. For thirteen years she was the owner of "Hand Painted by Celia", a unique gallery showcasing her versatility as an artist by painting any subject matter on any surface for her customers. People would bring in their pets or photos of their homes or whatever they wanted and Celia would capture the image with paint. She sadly relinquished her shop after surgery for a heart condition as she was not able to keep up with the demands of running a hectic business but continued to paint for friends and family.
Like most artists, Celia was eccentric and had a flair for the dramatic. She loved to get dressed up for every occasion and was affectionately referred to as "The Hat Lady" as she often wore flamboyant hats to accentuate her outfits.
Celia's love of painting and family came second only to her love for Jesus. Throughout her life, Celia remained a devout Catholic and donated much of her time to the Church. In Maine she was active in prayer groups and prison ministry and became a Eucharistic minister. While in Florida, Celia volunteered time at the Church office and did many paintings that continue to hang in Resurrection Church in Riverview, Florida. One thing she was particularly fond of was spending Sunday evenings going out to feed the homeless with others from the church. They could be seen handing out food and blankets on the outskirts of Tampa under the interstate bridges serving between 200-300 people in an evening.
She is survived by her loving husband of fifty six years, Richard A. Barnard, of Wiscasset, ME and Sun City Center, FL and their five children. Elizabeth Barnard Cook of Saco, ME; Kimberly Barnard Watson and husband Tim of Visalia, CA; Victoria Barnard Rodriguez and husband John of Charleston, SC; Michael A. Barnard and wife Pamela of S. Portland, ME; and Richard B. Barnard and wife Michaelein of Poland, ME. Celia is also survived by two nephews that she helped raise….Paul Barnard Seidman of Cape Elizabeth, ME and Mark Barnard Seidman of Bangor, Northern Ireland. As well as many other nieces and nephews, Celia is survived by her mother, Eva Boivin Marier of Westbrook, ME. and two sisters, Marcella Marier Hesoun of Surgoinsville, TN and Lucia Marier Warren of Gray, ME and Bradenton, FL. as well as 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Celia is pre-deceased by two grandchildren; Michele L. Watson of Novato, CA and Danielle L. Damon of Minot, ME. She is also pre-deceased by her sister, Anita Marier Skinner of Tampa, FL.
The family wishes to express thanks to Celia's many friends and relatives for their support. Additionally, special thanks to the LifePath Hospice Team for their wonderful care of Celia while at home.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Life Path Hospice House, 3273 Upper Creek Drive, Ruskin, Fl 37573.
A memorial service will be held in April at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Westbrook, ME.