Juanita (Taylor) Barbieri

Sadly, Juanita left this world on February 8, 2014 surrounded by love, family and angels after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Born in Ashville, NC on March 5, 1946 to John Ed and Annie Taylor, she spent her early childhood barefoot and happy in the mountains of Burnsville, NC. At the age of 6, her family moved to Newport News, VA. On August 24, 1962, at the age of 16, her life was forever changed when she met a dashing young Air Force man named Ralph Barbieri while she was playfully riding a tricycle in the front yard. They fell in love and were married a month later, September 23, 1962. They moved to Lynn, MA to be near Ralphâ€™s station in Bedford. They lived there for 2 years before Ralph left for Vietnam and Juanita moved back to Burnsville with â€œLittleâ€ Ralph, their infant son. When Ralph returned from Vietnam, they again lived in Lynn, returning to their same apartment. Their next move was to California where their second son, John was born. The family lived in California for a few years before moving to Virginia and then settling in Carmel, Maine. In the mid 80â€™s they moved further north to Presque Isle and then followed their younger son to the Portland area in 2002. Juanita got her dream house, complete with white picket fence, in 2012, just weeks before finding out she had cancer. Juanita worked for many years in nursing homes in Bangor and Presque Isle and then at the Days Inn in South Portland. She met many wonderful people at her work and often spoke of them with fondness. She enjoyed working in her flower garden, geocaching, puzzles, country music, Tweety Bird, decorating her home and being with her family. Missing Juanita here on earth is her husband of 51 years, Ralph and their cat Panzi. Her sons: Ralph E and wife Kerry of Niagara Falls, Canada and John and Teresa of Scarborough, ME. Her grandchildren: Tiffany and husband Mike of DuBois, PA, Thann and his wife Courtney of Scarborough, ME, David of Pittsburgh, PA, Justin of PA and Drew, Luke and Glenn all of Niagara Falls, Canada. Her great-grandchildren: Kira, Kayden, Jazmyn, and a new baby due in May. Her siblings: Arthur of Newport News, VA, Troy of SC, Barbara of Burnsville, NC and sister-in-law, Mary of Jacksonville, FL as well as many other family members. She is also missed by special friends Lang, Janna, Logan, Bernie and Julia, as well as numerous friends and co-workers. Waiting to greet and hug her on the other side are her parents, John Ed and Annie Taylor, infant sisters Jennette Ruth and Pat Helena (Tricia), great-grandson Brian, sister-in-law Phyllis, and brother-in-law James, as well as other family and friends who were called home. The family would like to thank the Maine Center for Cancer Medicine, Dr. Evans, Dr. Bristol and the wonderful staff at Southern Maine Hospice for their dedication and assistance in giving her remaining days quality and meaning. We could have never done it without you. A memorial service will be held at 3 PM on Saturday, February 15, at Blais & Hay Funeral Home, 35 Church St., Westbrook. Interment will be in the spring in Presque Isle. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Maine Center for Cancer Medicine or Southern Maine Hospice in Juanitaâ€™s name. Both are located in Scarborough, ME.

Juanita (Taylor) Barbieri

March 5, 1946 - February 8, 2014

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