East Millinocket – Barbara E. Dempsey, 85, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at a Millinocket health care facility. She was born February 5, 1935 in Millinocket, the daughter of Felix and Alice (Murray) McQuade.
Barbara grew up in Millinocket, and was a graduate of Stearns High School, class of 1953. She led a very active and full life, and created many experiences she never forgot and memories her family will treasure forever. Barbara was a wonderful cook, a loving and caring mother and grandmother, a talented artist who created many beautiful paintings, and a generous knitter who created many caps, mittens, and afghans for her family members. Many special Christmas Eves were spent at her home on Beech Street in East Millinocket, where she hosted her children and grandchildren for dinner and time together, and she enjoyed putting out her fine china and everyone being dressed up. Other fond memories of Barbara were created at her A-Frame at Deep Cove, where there was always a steady supply of Circus Peanuts and Orange slices, and always an open door with family, friends, and kids! She was widowed at the young age of 52 from the love of her life, Richard E. “Dickie” Dempsey. Barbara worked at the Katahdin Times for many years as subscription manager. After Dickie’s death, she moved to Bangor and worked for the Bangor Daily News for a period of time. Not one to withdraw from excitement and challenges, at the age of 60, Barbara obtained her motorcycle license and bought a motorcycle, making her the “coolest” grandmother in town! She belonged to two motorcycle clubs, Leather and Lace, and also the Retreads. Barbara loved to dance, and while living in the Bangor area, she belonged to the Twin City Cloggers. After she retired, Barbara worked in home health care. She will be fondly missed and lovingly remembered for many years to come by her family and circle of friends.
Barbara is survived by four children, Vicki Dick and her husband Eric, Richard “Eddie” Dempsey, Jr. and his wife Lynn, Bonnie Patchell and her husband Chet, Sharon Dempsey ; fourteen grandchildren, Erika, Cameron, Adam, Kyle, Justin, Jeremy, Kristen, Alyssa, Lindsey, Jeffery, Jon, Nikki, Kasey, and Cody; great grandchildren, Wilder, Daemyn, Avari, Shaylie, Jace, Matthew, Lillian, Liam, Paisley, Ryan, McKenzie, Trey, Taylor, Braylin, Charlie, Kamryn, Shay, Quinn, Marissa, Kyla, and Addison; a brother, Richard McQuade; a sister, Joan Boutaugh; a sister in law, Arlene McQuade, and a son in law Billy Turcotte; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her husband and parents, Barbara was predeceased by a daughter, Judy Turcotte, a son, Wayne Dempsey, a brother, Frank McQuade, and a sister in law, Anita McQuade, and a brother in law, Earle Boutaugh.
Services will be held at a time to be announced later in the summer. Interment will be at the Millinocket Cemetery. Gifts in memory of Barbara may be sent to support.dempseycenter.org/participant/bonniepatchell.