Cecilia “Celia” Marier Barnard, 77, of Wiscasset and Sun City Center, Fla., died Tuesday, Feb.19, 2013 following a short stay at Life Path Hospice House in Ruskin, Fla.

Celia was born November 15,1935 in Portland to Rene and Eva Boivin Marier, the second of four daughters. 

Celia grew up in Westbrook and graduated from St. Hyacinth’s School and Westbrook High School before graduating from Gray’s Business School. She maintained a strong relationship with her childhood friends from Westbrook and, until her death, was an active member of her high school reunion committee which met several times annually in both Maine and Florida.

After finishing school, Cecilia married her longtime sweetheart, Richard Barnard (formerly of West Buxton) in June of 1957. For the first 20 years they raised their family in Westbrook before moving to Auburn. 

Soon after their move to Auburn, they purchased “The Camp” in Boothbay Harbor and started spending summers in Boothbay Harbor and winters in Florida.

In addition to raising their five children, Celia was an accomplished artist and business woman. For 13 years she was the owner of “Hand Painted by Celia,” a unique gallery showcasing her artistic talent by painting any subject matter on any surface for her customers. People would bring in their pets or photos of their homes or whatever they wanted and Celia would capture the image with paint. She sadly relinquished her shop after surgery for a heart condition but continued to paint for friends and family.

She loved to get dressed up for every occasion and was affectionately referred to as “The Hat Lady,” as she often wore flamboyant hats to accentuate her outfits. Celia’s love of painting and family came second only to her love for Jesus. 

Throughout her life, Celia remained a devout Catholic. In Maine she was active in prayer groups and prison ministry and became a Eucharistic minister. In Florida, Celia volunteered time at the church office and did many paintings that continue to hang in Resurrection Church in Riverview, Fla. 

She also spent Sunday evenings feeding the homeless with others from the church. They handed out food and blankets on the outskirts of Tampa under the interstate bridges, serving between 200 to 300 people in an evening.

She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Richard A. Barnard of Wiscasset and Sun City Center, Fla.; their five children, Elizabeth Barnard Cook of Saco; Kimberly Barnard Watson and husband Tim of Visalia, Calif.; Victoria Barnard Rodriguez and husband John of Charleston, S.C.; Michael A. Barnard and wife Pamela of South Portland; and Richard B. Barnard and wife Michaelein of Poland, Maine. Celia is also survived by two nephews she helped raise, Paul Barnard Seidman of Cape Elizabeth and Mark Barnard Seidman of Bangor, Northern Ireland. 

As well as many other nieces and nephews, Celia is survived by her mother, Eva Boivin Marier of Westbrook, and two sisters, Marcella Marier Hesoun of Surgoinsville, Tenn., and Lucia Marier Warren of Gray and Bradenton, Fla., as well as 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. 

Celia was predeceased by two grandchildren, Michele L. Watson of Novato, Calif., and Danielle L. Damon of Minot, and a sister, Anita Marier Skinner of Tampa, Fla. 

The family wishes to express thanks to Celia’s many friends and relatives for their support. Additionally, special thanks to the LifePath Hospice Team for their wonderful care of Celia while at home.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Life Path Hospice House, 3273 Upper Creek Drive, Ruskin, FL 37573. Condolences can be made online at www.zipperersfuneralhome.com

A memorial service will be held in April at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Westbrook.