Barbara Ann Dyke

Barbara Ann (Wentworth) Dyke, 89, of Westbrook, passed away on February 17, 2024. She was born in Portland, Maine on February 1 st , 1935 to parents Edward R. Wentworth and Laurice (Rogerson) Wentworth, Morin. Barbara had one sister, Marie. As a young child, Barbara’s family lived in Westbrook. Barbara’s father died of acute appendicitis when she was just four years old. This affected her, her entire life. She often spoke of the love she had for her dear father. Barbara and her mother relocated to Scarborough when her mother married Walter Bimson. Walter had three daughters; Betty, Frances, and Dotty. Barbara became very close with her step sisters. Barbara graduated from Scarborough High School in 1953. After graduation, she went on to Gorham State Teachers College for two years. In 1954, Barbara met John W. Dyke from South Portland, Maine. They were married on September 17, 1955. In 1956 she left college to become a stay-at-home mother to Thomas. When John was stationed in Germany, Barbara and little Tommy stayed with her mother until his return to the United States and then moved to Massachusetts where he was employed as a Journeyman Farmer. In 1959 she gave birth to Terri. Shortly after, the Dyke family moved back to Maine and eventually settled in Windham. Barbara joined the Little Falls Baptist Church where she remained a loyal parishioner until her death. She took great pride in her church and was a vital member of the church community. When Tom and Terri went to school, Barbara started Tiny Tots Nursery School in the basement of the Church. Barbara went back to college in 1970 to finish her teaching degree and earned her Bachelor of Science in 1972. She worked as a first-grade teacher for 22 years in Windham schools. Barbara was a team teacher, was always committed to education and took great pride in her work striving to be the best teacher for her students. Barbara’s stubborn tenacity served her well in life. She was determined to learn to down-hill ski and she did, she ended up loving it! Barbara also belonged to the Windham Garden Club, loved flower gardening, bird watching and crafting. She had monthly game days with her friends playing cards and dominos. These days were mostly spent laughing and enjoying one another’s company. Over the years Barbara made many lifelong friends. She was a loving mother to her children and to all the kids she taught over the years, and a loving wife to her husband, John, for 47 years before his passing on May 2, 2002. Barbara is survived by her children; Thomas W. Dyke, and his wife, Lisa, Terri Sanborn, and her husband, Jeff; grandchildren; Jarrod Dyke, Jason Sanborn, and Kelsey Sanborn and their families, many nieces and nephews and her sister-in-law Judy Booker and her husband Eric. Barbara was predeceased by her husband, John W. Dyke, parents; Edward Wentworth and Laurice Morin, her sister, Marie Chaffin and an infant brother, step sisters; Betty Rietas, Frances Knight and Dotty Reno, sister, and brother in laws; Leonard and Dianne Groves and Robert Dyke. A Funeral Service at Little Falls Bible Church, 746 Gray Rd, Gorham, ME 04038, will be held in the spring followed by a burial at South Buxton Cemetery. Details to be announced.

Barbara Ann Dyke

February 1, 1935 - February 17, 2024

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