Roberta "Denny" Denniston Barhydt

Yarmouth – Roberta Barhydt, 94, of Yarmouth died on Wednesday March 5, 2014 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, with her family at her side and her faithful companion dog, Bea, at her feet. Roberta was born on September 12, 1919 in Toms River, NJ, a daughter of Georgia and Robert Denniston. Roberta studied to be an x-ray technician in New York City, after which she returned to Schenectady to work at Ellis Hospital and in private practice. In 1948 she married Harvey George Barhydt and together they raised their two daughters in Guilderland, NY where Roberta lived until 2006. Most recently, she lived with both of her daughters.

Roberta was known as Denny to all family and friends, which was the nickname affectionately given to her by Harvey. Throughout her life Roberta was known for her unfailing devotion to nurture and care for family, and particularly for her granddaughters as their Nanna. She also possessed many creative talents, including playing the piano and organ, drawing, knitting and sewing. Roberta lovingly tended her indoor plants, enjoyed bird watching, entertained and cooked for large family gatherings, and was an accomplished apple pie baker.

In later years, she had the opportunity to travel with her sister, Nancy, and best friend, Cathy Hochanadel. Their travels and sense of adventure took them far and wide, overseas and throughout the U.S. Roberta’s independence and strength of spirit served her well as did her warmth and gentle love.

Roberta is survived by her daughter Barbara Barhydt and her husband John Duncan of Yarmouth and their daughters, Meredith and Lauren Duncan; her daughter Elizabeth Barhydt and her husband William Hart of Grandview, NY; her sister Nancy Jeffers of Sea Isle City, New Jersey; her sister-in-law Joan Van Siclen of New Paltz, New York; her cousin Doris Cassiday; her nieces Peg Van Siclen and Vicki McKeever and her nephews John Jeffers and Jim Jeffers; and many great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Harvey in 1976, her niece Micki McAllister, and her brothers-in-law Herbert Van Siclen and Dr. Jack Jeffers. She will be greatly missed by Anne Fessler, Jim Hoke, Michael Hochanadel, and many other close friends.

Funeral services will be held in the Newburgh area later this spring with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, New Windsor, New York. Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Roberta’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with her family.

The family wishes to thank all of the warm and caring staff from Casco Bay Home Care who allowed Roberta to enjoy her life at home and for the compassionate care provided at the Gosnell House. For those who wish, donations may be made in Roberta’s memory to: Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Road, Scarborough, ME 04074.