Cape Elizabeth, August 26, 2023, Barbara Florence Kneeland (Jordan) passed away after a brief illness, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family. She was ninety-three years old. Nearing the end of her life, she would often say,” I’ve had a wonderful life.” Into her nineties, she retained a sense of humor, a strong character and insight into life situations and human nature.
She was born on Christmas day 1929 on her Grandmother and Grandfather Harrington’s farm in Topsham. Throughout her childhood, the farm was a wonderful second home to her. She grew up in Auburn, where she was fortunate to have many Jordan relatives living nearby, all with a strong faith and dedication to family. She graduated from Edward Little High School where she was active in theatre arts. From her Grandmother Jordan and her father, she inherited a love of music. Because of her talent as a singer and performer, she appeared in many local shows and was invited to perform with the Bates College Players.
She married the love of her life, Fredrick “Bud” Kneeland Sr. of West Bethel. Together, they raised four children. They lived in Bethel, Clinton, Harrington, and Augusta finally settling in Cherryfield. In all these places, they were active members of the community making many lifelong friendships. Barbara was an amazing grandmother, always fun, loving, encouraging and kind. In later years, she was a devoted caregiver to her husband during a long and difficult illness.
Barbara was active in the Harrington Methodist Church and in later years, the Congregational Church in Cherryfield where she was honored to serve as a Deacon. Into her 80’s she would wait on tables at church suppers. She could always be counted on to contribute to local fund-raising activities for a cause. She was proud to be part of the efforts to establish the Lamb House in Cherryfield, a home for families forced to leave their homes after a fire or natural disaster. She served on the School Board for MSAD #37 and worked to secure a building for the Cherryfield Public Library. She also served as a member of the board of directors for the library. Always a supporter of the local schools, she maintained a small scholarship in her husband’s memory. Every year, she loved reading letters from graduating students who applied for the scholarship, finding it hard to choose among them. She served as Vice President for the Federated Women’s Club and in earlier years, she was elected to serve as a town selectperson for Cherryfield.
Family members would like to express their deep appreciation for the caring and devotion of staff at The Landing in Cape Elizabeth and Beacon Hospice for their kind support and care.
Barbara is survived by her children: Linda Clark, Westbrook, Debra (Jeffrey) Morse, Montague, MA., Brenda Gallant, Auburn, Fredrick Kneeland Jr, Cherryfield, grandchildren: Aaron (Caroline) Clark, Westbrook, Joshua (Paula) Morse, Turners Falls, MA., James Kneeland, Hyannis, MA., Jordan Kneeland, Machias, Joseph Gallant, Nashville, TN., Gretchen (Jerry) Morse- Dobosz, Shelburne, MA., nine great grandchildren, and devoted friend, Sharon (Rodney) Moody, Cherryfield
A celebration of life will be held later for family members and close friends.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at mainefuneral.com
For those who would like to share something in Barbara’s memory, donations can be made to: The Lamb House, PO Box 355, Cherryfield. ME. 04622