Barbara Kenney

Our mother, Barbara Aileen Kenney, passed away unexpectedly on May 29th, 2023 at Equinox Terrace in Manchester, Vermont where she raised hell and laughter for the past 3 and a half years of her life.

Barbara was a Bangor High School and University of Maine graduate. Her love for education and literature was zestful and impactful to those of us whom she inspired. She was an avid reader and she spent many of her working years in the school system educating children with her delightful, encouraging, and nurturing personality.

She loved her family and friends deeply and was so very proud of our successes. Her enormous love for us was always present and heartfelt. We could always count on her to have our back and to be in our corner.
Her love of music and dance was a joy to experience as it would pull out such an effervescent quality in her that was just fun to be a part of. She always referred to herself as “young at heart” (just like her mother did) and it is fitting that she had an innocence that was childlike and, at times, beautifully pure.

Barbara knew how to tell a joke and her laughter was contagious while her intelligent wit was appreciated and adored. Her sincere religious faith always brought her comfort and wisdom and helped guide her through her journey.

She is survived by her children, Erik Johansson, Kristen Johansson, Karin Nicholson and her son in-law Andrew Nicholson; two grandchildren, Hannah and Jake Nicholson; one sister, Harriett Haché and one brother, Richard Kenney.

In addition to her parents, Aileen and Thomas Kenney, Barbara was predeceased by her brother Merrill, sister Carolyn, and sister Joyce.

There will be a celebration of her life at Pine Grove Cemetery, Bangor on September 9th, 2023 at 3:00pm followed by a gathering at Ann Spellman Chapman's house (her 3rd non-biological daughter) at 8 Fox Lane, Eddington, ME 04428.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.