AUGUSTA – “Here she comes, Miss America!” Barbara J. Maxim-Hendsbee, age 69, was brought home to God unexpectedly Thursday, May 20, 2021 along with her beloved granddaughter, Vada-Leigh Peaslee and her dear friend, Rosalyn Jean. She was born in Augusta on April 9, 1952, a daughter of Howard R. and Janet P. (Burns) Maxim.

Barbara, aka GiGi, Barbie, Barbwire, Mumma, Cupcake, and Babs, was an outstanding student; a 1970 graduate of Cony High School and a 1975 graduate of the University of Maine at Orono.

She had been employed for over 40 years at the Kennebec Journal/Morning Sentinal, and had most recently been enjoying the freedom of retirement as it allowed her to spend invaluable time with her cherished granddaughter Vada.

In addition to caring for her only granddaughter, Barbara’s interests included spending time with beloved friends and family, gardening and beautifying her surroundings, watching Hallmark and Lifetime movies, fanatically rooting for her favorite New England pro sports teams, and caring for her precious rescued pets. She often could be found travelling with her best friends and Life Partner to Boothbay, Old Orchard and Belfast, dancing to live music, snacking on tuna sandwiches, enjoying coffee with cream only, singing “Barbara anthems” to her two beautiful daughters, and showering them both with every ounce of love and support imaginable.

Barbara is survived by her Life Partner, Dexter Pinkham of Augusta; two daughters, Molly MH Kimball and her husband Patrick of Augusta and Megan L Peaslee and her husband Ronald of Windsor; her parents, Howard R. and Janet P. (Burns) Maxim of Concord, N.C.; two brothers, R. Michael Maxim and his partner Laura Gabriel of Augusta, and Scott E. Maxim and wife Teresa of Harrisburg, N.C.; her former husband, friend, and father of her children Wayne Hendsbee of Farmingdale. Dexter’s children Lindsey and Justin. as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

So many hearts are forever scarred by the passing of this beautiful woman. Our family would like to express the sincere gratitude we are feeling for the outpouring of love and support from the entire community. We ask that Barbara’s example inspires all to love, forgive, support the underdog, and always show thanks.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 4th at 2 p.m. at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Burial will follow the funeral in Rest Haven Cemetery, Rt. 32, Windsor. A celebration of life for Barbara and dear friend Rose will be held beginning at noon on Saturday, June 5 at the Calumet Club in Augusta.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

The family requests that donations in Barbara’s memory be made to:

Little Paws Big Hearts Pekingese Rescue through their website at: https://www.lpbhpr.org