Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home

ROCKLAND - Barbara Flora Dow Vinal, 83, of Rockland, entered the gates of Heaven on June 16, 2014.
Barbara was a loving mother and a loyal and generous friend. She had a wonderful, comical sense of humor and a sharp wit. Barb always had a twinkle in her eye, a smile on her face and a helping hand to lend to anyone in need.
Barbara was a natural caregiver and loved working as a registered nurse at Maine Medical Center for over 21 years.
She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Barbara was predeceased by her husband of 20 years, Delbert Vinal of Rockland; by her parents, Robert and Olive Dow of Owls Head; and a brother, Robert 'Bobby' Dow of Rockland.
She is survived by one son, Robert Maynard Gray of Michigan and one daughter, Phyllis Stickney and fiance' Kevin Giles of Salem, NH.
After Delbert's death, Barbara lived with Phyllis and Kevin. While there, she met and fell in love with Kevin's young granddaughter, Alyssa Zissi. Barbara loved that child, calling her 'the great granddaughter of my heart.'
Barbara is survived by seven siblings; Jane and husband David Thorndike of Covinton, LA, Doris and husband Harold Clarke of Rockland, Sylvia Smith of Rockport, John 'Steve' Dow of Owls Head, Daniel and wife Victoria Dow of New Port Richie, FL, James and wife Katherine Dow of Owls Head, and David Dow of San Antonio, TX. She is also survived by stepson David and wife Patty Vinal of Rockland, and stepdaughter Darlene and husband Walter Dudley of Waldoboro, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are with Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.
Service and interment to be announced at a later date.
To share a memory or story with Barbara's family, please visit her Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.