Barbara Ann Kinney

FAYETTE – The family of Barbara Ann Kinney is saddened to announce her passing on Aug. 12, 2025, at the age of 76. Barbara was born Feb. 25, 1949, in Augusta, to Bernard and Jean Kinney of Winthrop.

Barbara was a graduate of Winthrop High School. She attended Plymouth State College in Plymouth, N.H. and graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a degree in psychology.

Barbara was a licensed social worker and worked as a supervisor for the Maine Department of Human Services in Cumberland and York Counties for many years, strongly advocating for children placed in foster care.

After retirement, Barbara moved from Scarborough to Fayette where she pursued her talent in art while living in a picturesque rural section of Maine. Barbara created many beautiful pieces in clay with her potting wheel. Her artistic talents extended to watercolor paintings and pen and ink drawings. She also made intricately designed high quality mittens using recycled wool.

Barbara cared deeply about the environment and worked as a lake steward, testing water quality and monitoring invasive plant life at David Pond and Basin Pond. She was a strong advocate for lakeside protections through good town planning.

Barbara was predeceased by her father, Bernard Kinney.

She is survived by her mother, Jean Kinney of Winthrop; son, Matthew (Amy) Richard of Coplin Plantation, daughter, Kristin (Robert) Meharg of Peaks Island; granddaughter, Mena Richard of Portland and grandsons Colin and Alex Meharg; her former spouse, Donald Richard of Auburn, and her former partner, David Pollock of Fayette.

She is also survived by her sister, Mary (Peter) Thompson of Readfield, brothers Timothy Kinney of Mt. Vernon and Stephen Kinney of Poland; nieces Erin (Mason) Barker of Cumberland and Lauren (Brent) Dube of Scarborough and nephew, Adam (My) Thompson of Readfield; as well as two aunts, Ruth Canelas of Pelham, N.H. and Alice Motschman of Manchester, N.H.; and many cousins.

Barbara was a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend who will be deeply missed.

Barbara’s visitation will be held on Friday Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop. Her memorial service will follow immediately after, beginning at 1 p.m. at Winthrop United Methodist Church, 58 Main St., Winthrop, with a reception to follow. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Roberts Funeral Home website, http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.