Barbara Ann Baril Vallee, 81, born in Lewiston on May 22, 1937, passed on Friday January 25, 2019 in the loving embrace of her family. She was the daughter of Alfred F. “Honey” Baril and Mary “May” Lavoie Baril and professed, throughout her life, that she would have been an only child if it wasn’t for her brother, Captain Robert F, Baril, USN (Ret), formerly of Auburn and now living in Washington State. Barbara attended local schools in Auburn and was a graduate of Edward Little High School, Class of 1955. She furthered her education, attending Westbrook College, where her best memories were the sound of the rain on the window sill of her dorm room and where to catch the bus back to Auburn. Following her college years she went to work for Northeast Bank in Lewiston. Barbara married Ronald Vallee of Auburn on November 29, 1969 down in Lavoieland and this was their 50th year together.Barbara was many things to many people, but, above all, she dedicated her life to providing a safe, comfortable home for her children, ensuring that every child was provided all opportunities to be inspired and educated to become informed, productive citizens. She was a fierce, indomitable steward of her family’s legacy and was exceedingly proud of all her surviving children, daughter, Kellianne Vallee Murphy of Galveston, TX; son, Joseph “Rusty” Vallee and his wife, Georgia of Oxford; and daughter, Colleen Vallee Clark and her husband Scott of Otisfield. She was predeceased by her beloved son Ronnie (Balboa, Bal) Jr. Barbara enjoyed an unbounded pride and joy in her grandson Michael Vallee of Otisfield and her granddaughter Jennifer Vallee of Lewiston. Also surviving are brother Robert Baril and wife Johanna (Christiansen) Baril, and their children, niece Karen, nephews, Paul, Chris, and David. Also surviving Barbara are sister-in-law Suzanne Vallee Veilleux and her husband Gerald and their children, nephews Richard and Gerry, and many cousins in the Baril, Maguire, Guillemette, and Lavoie family. She was particularly grateful for her forever BFF Nicola Talarico in her life, and wonderful friends Roland Nadeau and Eddie Schmidt. In Barbara’s dynamic years she was an extraordinary hostess and chef, whether feeding any and all friends of the children who showed up unannounced or putting on an innovative meal for a special occasion such as an engagement celebration. Her meals were always superb and indicative of a unique understanding of the world’s cuisines. There were many feasts that were an inspiration for a particular moment and were never seen again, but the memory of what was served was indelibly etched in the mind. Her annual, multi-coursed “pig-outs” were legendary and were the subject of many, not so discreet, hints for invitations. Barbara derived particular joy from visiting daughter Colleen in Bar Harbor and being pampered at The Bayview as well as the occasional, coveted opportunity to stay at Ragged Edges in New Harbor. She was so appreciative of the beauty of our wonderful Maine coast. In her later years, Barbara was a fixture at most of the restaurants in the area, she truly enjoyed meeting and making friends with some wonderful people like David and Sharon Staszak and family, Charlene and Rodney Cummings, and, particularly, our beautiful, irreplaceable Bre Millet. Barbara lived most of her life in Auburn, but her heart and soul belonged to Otisfield and, particularly, Lake Thompson. Her spirit will forever grace Honey’s Haven, the Mill Pond, The Cape, she loved them all. Farewell, “Well Done”, dear wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, friend, Chair of the Board at Maine Thread Company. Godspeed, There is no more pain, rest in peace.
Our family also wishes to express our deepest gratitude to Michael Drouin, MD for his patient, compassionate care of Barbara over the years. Our family also wishes to commend the wonderful staff at Androscoggin Home Health, nurses, Ann, Heather and Corinne for their thoughtful, compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to: The East Otisfield Free Baptist Church, 166 Rayville Road, Otisfield, ME 04270
