Barnett, Cecilia Bernadette, 84, September 29, 2014. Interment was held in the Silver Ridge Cemetery. Arrangements by Bowers Funeral Home, Island Falls.
BREWER and SILVER RIDGE – Cecilia “Ceil” Bernadette (Colberg) Barnett, 84, passed peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, September 29, 2014. She was the youngest of 13 children, born on February 10, 1930, in New Haven, CT, to the late Charles and Mary (Hart) Colberg.
She attended grammar school at St. Francis Parochial School, and later graduated from Commercial High School, both in New Haven. Ceil worked as a secretary for the Knights of Columbus in New Haven until her marriage to Bill and relocation to Silver Ridge in 1953. While in Silver Ridge, she worked as a teacher’s aide for the Sherman Elementary School and was a member of the local Merrymakers Club. As proprietors of “Barnett’s Cabins” in Silver Ridge, Ceil worked alongside her husband, Bill, tending to their cabins and the many hunters who visited throughout the years, many of whom became good friends. Ceil was well-known for her down-home country cooking and her seemingly effortless ability to “lay out a spread” for family, friends and hunter gatherings. In addition to cooking, she enjoyed gardening, quilting, arts and crafts, music, dancing, reading, playing cards and Scrabble. Above all, Ceil was most happy while hosting or attending large family gatherings.
Ceil is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, William “Bill” Barnett Sr.; children, Karen Barnett of Bangor, Maurice Barnett and wife, Michele, of Buxton, Michael “Mike” Barnett and wife, Angela, of Silver Ridge, Peter Barnett and wife, Candy, of Durham, William “Billy” Barnett, Jr. and wife, Mary, of Calais; 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; step-son, Reginald “Reggie” Hartford of Sherman Station and Fort McCoy, FL; and sister, Marion (Colberg) Ciskowski of Connecticut. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Eric Barnett and 11 of her siblings.
Ceil will be greatly missed by her family and friends. The family wishes to extend a very special thank-you to the kind staff at Beacon Hospice and Loving Touch In-Home Care, most especially caretakers Doug, Stephanie and Terry. You all hold a special place in our hearts for all the love, compassion and tender care extended toward Ceil, Bill and our family during her final journey.
Funeral services were held 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2014, at Bowers Funeral Home, 54 Sherman St., Island Falls with Pastor James O’Hara officiating. Family and friends were invited to a gathering at the Monarda Calvary Baptist Church, 1049 Silver Ridge Rd., Silver Ridge immediately following the service. A private family interment was held at the Silver Ridge Cemetery in Silver Ridge. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Maine Parkinson Society, 359 Perry Rd., Bangor, ME 04401. For an online memory book and to leave condolences, please visit www.bowersfuneral.com
