GRETA VELMA BARKER
FORT FAIRFIELD

Fort Fairfield - Greta Velma Barker, 98, died peacefully at home January 15, 2022, in the care of her family. She was born February 3, 1923 in Perth, NB Canada, the daughter of Harold E. Howlett and Vernice (McQuade) Howlett.

She married Floyd P. Barker on November 21, 1944 and they had three daughters. Floyd and Greta had a happy life together and were deeply in love with each other. Family was the center of their world, and they spent many happy times with their closest friends, Laura and Mac O’Donnell and their family, Donna, Malcolm, and Edwin, of Doaktown, New Brunswick.

She is survived by her daughters and their families: Laura Smith of Albuquerque, NM, her son Matthew Smith of Albuquerque and daughter Sarah Smith of Albuquerque; Sharon Barker and John Hoyt of Bangor and their family, Adam Barker-Hoyt and his wife Sarah and children Taylor and Quintin of Brewer, and Matthew Hoyt of Poland; and Brenda Barker and her husband Bill Burgess of Fort Fairfield and their animal family members Charlie, Sadie, and Stella. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and she had special relationships with each of them. Her great grandson, Quintin, was long awaited and brought much joy to her in her later years.

She is also survived by her brother Lewis Baker of Tilly, NB and many nieces and nephews, who loved their Aunt Greta and will miss her terribly. She had a special relationship with her niece Debbie LaTour of Grand Falls, NB and she had two honorary daughters, Ruth Lockhart of Bangor and Frankie Todd of Jeffersonville, VT.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Floyd, her siblings Richard, Glenna, Laura, Marguerite, Marion, and Carol, and her son-in-law Robert Smith.

Greta graduated from Perth High School and Provincial Normal School and taught in New Brunswick schools prior to her marriage. When she and Floyd moved to the States, she raised her three daughters while working part time as an Avon Representative, and her daughters took turns accompanying her on her sales route. She retired as head baker for the Fort Fairfield School Lunch program, and everyone appreciated her baking abilities. She was especially known for her bread, pies, and donuts. She was an accomplished knitter, making her first sweater at age seven. Her children and grandchildren had homemade sweaters and socks every Christmas.

Greta had a style and manner that made everyone comfortable. She was gracious and kind and loved by everyone she met. She died in her apartment just shy of her 99th birthday. She was able to maintain her independence to the end due to the loving support and care of her youngest daughter, Brenda, who spent every day helping her mother enjoy life, surrounding her with flowers and a beautiful environment, and making sure she was able to participate fully in life.

Her church was very important to her and the congregation at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church provided a loving and supportive community. She attended church throughout her life right to the very end, and Sunday services were a highlight of her week.

Contributions to honor her memory can be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fort Fairfield, c/o 645 Houlton Rd. Easton, ME 0740 or the Central Aroostook Humane Society, 24 Cross St. Presque Isle, ME 04769. Interment will be in the spring at Union Cemetery in Fort Fairfield. A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fort Fairfield at a later date, once the border is open so her many friends and family members in Canada will be able to attend. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 144 Main Street, Fort Fairfield. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gibersondorseyfuneralhome.com .