VASSALBORO – Barbara E. Horner, 95, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on May 3, 2022. She was born Dec. 26, 1926, in Camden, Maine, the daughter of Alfred B. Nedeau and Teresa (Shaw) Nedeau.Barbara grew up mostly in Norridgewock, but also in several other New England towns before graduating from Northfield High School in Vermont in 1944. Barbara married James “Jim” Horner, her husband of 70 years, in 1948 in Concord, New Hampshire. She was a devoted mother while they lived in Hudson, Ohio, Leawood, Kansas, Hinckley and Waterville, Maine, and Durham, North Carolina, before retiring back to Maine in Vassalboro in 1989. She began her own career only after her children finished their grade school years, working in the Rare Book Collection at the Colby College Library (1969-1975), then at the Duke University International House in Durham (1975-1989). She had a knack for remembering names and milestones and knew every international student who attended Duke during those years, including the correct pronunciation and spelling of their names. She welcomed each and every one and made them feel at home. Barbara was a member of the Waterville Women’s Club and enjoyed volunteering at the old Thayer Hospital, Vassalboro Food Pantry, Volmer’s Nursing Home in Vassalboro, and attending the Vassalboro United Methodist Church. Barbara was a kind and caring soul who enjoyed being among family and friends, travelling, watching birds and wildlife, knitting, conquering crossword puzzles, and taking walks in nature. She loved to send letters and cards and never forgot a birthday. She was still receiving Christmas cards from some of her international friends from Greece, Sweden, and Japan.She was predeceased by her husband Jim, her sister Margaret Keene of Norridgewock, and brother Al Nedeau, Jr. of California. She is survived by son Stewart and his wife Cindy of Waterville, daughter Peggy and her husband Ted May of Columbia, Mo., granddaughter Heather Provost and her husband Lucas of Albion, grandson Travis Horner and fiancé Josh Rideout of Gray, and great grandchildren Madalyn, Ryder, and Miles Provost. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m., June 17, 2022, at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church, 614 Main Street, Vassalboro, Maine 04989. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine 04901. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com. Those who wish may honor Barbara’s life by making a gift in her memory to the Vassalboro United Methodist Church, 614 Main Street, Vassalboro 04989, or the Vassalboro Food Pantry, Rt 32 in Vassalboro.

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