Barbra, lovingly known as Daunty, was my Great Aunt but truly filled the role of a Grandmother in my life. She was the glue that held our family together, always giving more than she should have and offering stability to everyone around her. Daunty served in the US Air Force, and her stories of being a Sheriff and going undercover in sting operations were legendary. Her love was boundless—she fostered many children, cared deeply for her dogs (especially Izzy) and her cat Daisy, and was a pillar of support for our big family. The nurses who cared for her admired her feisty spirit right up to the end, a trait she likely inherited from her mother, Alberta.

Barbra was also a talented artist, finding peace and expression through her artwork. As a proud Penobscot and Maliseet woman, she created a visual learning series that celebrated the songs and dances of her childhood on Indian Island. Her time at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe allowed her to form lifelong friendships across Turtle Island, Canada, the USA, and New Zealand. Even in her final years, Daunty’s generosity never faded—I remember her counting bottles and cans to help a relative with gas money, and auctioning her hand-painted drum to support the community food cupboard.

Now, as Daunty’s spirit joins her ancestors, we want to honor her memory in a way that reflects her love, strength, and tradition. We are seeking support to help with her funeral expenses, to purchase a traditional burial basket, and to ensure her beloved dog receives the care it needs. Thank you for considering supporting us during this difficult time. Any help is deeply appreciated, and sharing memories of Daunty would mean so much to our family.