Barbara Howes Neil

North Port ââ‚"" Barbara Howes Neil, 72, of North Port, FL passed away Sunday evening, December 23rd at the Venice Regional Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer for many years. She was born July 5, 1940 in Portland, ME, a daughter of Lyde and Hilda (Mitchell) Howes. Barbara attended Strong schools and continued her education at the University of Maine – Farmington where she graduated with high honors. She received a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Maine – Orono. She married Herbert C. Neil, September 9, 1956. Barbara was a respected teacher working first at Philips Elementary and finishing her career at Strong Elementary School. She was active in both the Strong United Methodist Church and the North Port Community United Church of Christ. Barbara wintered in Florida, but always looked forward to getting back to her summer home at Porter Lake in Strong, Maine where she loved the serenity of the lake. A skilled pianist she loved music and was always getting others to join her in song whether it was Christmas parties, caroling, or other family gatherings. Barbara also enjoyed swimming, kayaking, baking, playing cards, and especially spending time with her grandchildren. She made a difference in many people’s lives and was very giving of her time, whether with her music, her teaching, or her excellent cooking. She is survived by her husband, Herbert of North Port; sister Ardis Copeland and her husband Ralph of North Port; four children, Randall Neil and significant other Kenna Pulley of Chesterfield, VA, Sandra Rogers and her husband John of Strong, ME, Nancy Seelow and her husband Tim of Jay, ME, and Suzanne Kidd and husband David of West Freeman, ME; eleven grandchildren, Stephanie, Ted, Christopher, Joshua, Brittany, David, Emily, Patrick, Erin, Jessica and Zachary and five great grandchildren, Scotty, Alexandra, Abigail, Keagan and Connor. She is also survived by two half-brothers and one half-sister of their common birth mother, Diana Anastasio; Frank Anastasio of Rumford, ME, Janet Haas of Annandale, VA, and Eugene Anastasio of Keene, NH. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 12th, 2013 at 2:00 pm at the North Port Community United Church of Christ, 3450 S. Biscayne Drive. In the Spring there will be a Celebration of Life Service held in Strong, Maine with interment at the West Freeman Cemetery. Those wishing may send condolences for the family at www.farleyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238. Service Information Date: Saturday, January 12, 2013 Time: 2:00 pm