Barbara Jane (Cole) Mayo, 74, of Bridgton, peacefully passed away on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, at Bridgton Hospital. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Barbara was born October 5, 1946, in Long Beach, Calif., to the late John and Edith (Hughes) Cole, and was raised in Beverly, Mass., with her late sister, Shirley (Cole) Perkins.

Barbara was a member of the Girls Scouts. This group was important to her, and played an influential role in her younger years. Through her scouting experiences, she made lifelong friends.

Nasson College in Springvale, Maine, was where Barbara met her husband, Richard Mayo. They moved to Bridgton in 1968. Throughout their 53 years of marriage, they raised three children, seven grandchildren, and lived, worked, and gave to the Bridgton community who also gave so much to them.

Barbara worked 27 years as an educator for SAD 61, the Lake Region School District, before her retirement in 2008. Her passion for teaching was evident. She earned a master’s degree in education and reading. Barbara dedicated her career to working with children who found school challenging and frustrating. Students saw “Mrs. Mayo’s” classroom as a safe haven, and would visit if they felt out of control in other classes. She also gave countless hours of her time to students who did not have a supportive home life.

Barbara was a member of the First Congregational Church in Bridgton for 41 years. She loved her church and church family as much as she did her students.

It wasn’t all work and no play for Barbara. She loved to travel with her husband, family, and friends. Adventures included Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Australia.

Barbara’s work ethic, tireless service, kindness, and love made her an exceptional mother, grandmother, and role model in the Lake Region community. She supported her family’s interests, and especially enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s games and events.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Edith Cole; and her sister, Shirley Perkins.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her beloved husband, Richard (Dick); her brother-in-law, Scott; her brother-in-law, George and his wife Digna; her children, John, David and Sara; daughter-in-law, Amy; son-in-law, Phil; and grandchildren, Douglas, Mark, Matthew, Melissa, Tabitha, Aidan and Maria.

In following Barbara’s wishes during these COVID times, a celebration of her life is in the planning stages. For more information, or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.chandler- funerals.com. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 8 Elm Street Bridgton, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, please do or say something nice to a person in need.