Mattie D. Barnes Obituary (1934

ROCKLAND - Mattie D. Barnes, 78, died peacefully, surrounded by her family, Tuesday, February 12, 2013, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport. Born on Islesboro, April 30, 1934, she was the daughter of Judson and Ruth Pendleton Dodge. Mattie spent her early years on the island before moving to Rockland as a young girl. She attended the Purchase Street School in Rockland. Following school, Mattie began her career working at Perry's Laundry and Van Baalens. In 1955 she married Oram Barnes, Sr. in Spruce Head. Together they built a home on Route 73 that still stands today. As her family grew, Mattie became a stay at home mom, devoting her life to her two children. She spent her time caring for them until her oldest son graduated high school. Following her divorce, Mattie moved to Rockland in 1978. She went back to work at Van Baalens, and later was employed as a presser by nearly every Laundromat in Rockland. Mattie retired in 1998. After retirement Mattie took great joy in babysitting her grandson. She loved her entire family, and was known by everyone, even her grandson's friends as 'Nana'. She was an avid gardener and loved planting flowers around her home. She also enjoyed crocheting, painting, and reading. Her son said she could read an entire book in one night. She was an ardent Boston Red Sox fan and never missed a game on TV. Predeceased by six siblings, Herbert, Judson, Jr. and Oren Dodge, Mildred Steele, Barbara MacDonald, and Dorothy Dyer, and her long time companion, Lowell 'LK' Hunt; Mattie is survived by her children, Oram Barnes, Jr., Beth Contreras and her companion Dennis Jackson all of Rockland; one grandson Brian Athearn and his companion Kelly Dinsmore of Augusta; one sister, Hattie Carleton of Shirley, MA; an adopted grandson, Justin Goodnow of Thomaston; a former son-in-law, Raymond Athearn of Rockland; close friends Allen Parker and his daughter Helvi of Lincolnville; and her four-legged constant companion 'Dawn'; as well as many nieces, nephews and a large extended family. A family gathering will be held in the summer when her final wishes are carried out and she is returned to her beloved Islesboro. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, Maine 04841. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland 2b:[] 2e:{"type":"