Gardiner-Barbara Jean Daniels, 56, of Maple St. passed from this life, with her family by her side, on November 29, 2008 from complications due to cancer at Maine General Medical Center in Augusta.

She was born on August 19, 1952 in Augusta, Maine, the daughter of Grace Speck and the late Edwin Shaw.

Barbara graduated from Cony High School. She felt lucky and proud to have incredible friends and family in her life. She garnered much strength from the love and support they provided. She pushed herself to stay engaged in life through her treatments. When the world said "give up", hope whispered, "try it one more time". She remained active throughout her illness and continued to spend time with those she loved. She felt that humor and good karma were the best medicine.

Barbara enjoyed a wide range of activities; a bird watcher, gardener, artist, an antique collector and loved spending time in her back yard with her grandchildren and her two precious dogs. She knew that being a grandparent was God's reward for growing older. She loved hunting and fishing and has many fond memories of her fishing adventures with her family. Barb always cared about helping others. She was involved in the Gardiner Youth Football League and was instrumental in raising money to ensure the kids had new uniforms or whatever they needed. She volunteered her time to the Heart to Heart Support Group, of which she was an active member, always making sure the troops were not forgotten in their absence.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Gary Daniels, of Gardiner, her daughter, Melissa Lane and her husband Chris of Farmingdale, two sons, Israel Legassie and Jesse Daniels, both of Augusta. She was the proud grandmother-of four wonderful grandchildren; Jaime Lane, Halley Lane, Jevon Daniels and Trysten Legassie. She is also survived by her mother Grace and her husband George Speck and her mother in-law Yvette Daniels of Augusta. She had many siblings who she cherished, who will miss her unconditional love; Daniel and Peggie Speck of Litchfield, Pamela and Charles Plemmons of Augusta, Jane Speck of Augusta, Betty Speck Everett of Palarmo, George and Amy Speck of Augusta, Alfred and Rhonda Speck of Portland, Joseph "Don" Speck of Augusta, James and Elaine Shaw of PA, David and Debbie Shaw of PA, Michael Shaw of PA, Louis Shaw of PA, Kathy and Richie Mcglaughlin of Pa. She is further survived by her husband's siblings Sue and Bill Steward of Manchester, Tom and Pat Daniels of Augusta, and Armand "Jay" Daniels of Norridgewock, many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, brother and sister in-laws, close friends and her two pets.

In addition to her father she is predeceased in death by her grandparents Mary and Clarence Hawes, one brother Edwin and many aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 12pm at the New Maine Veterans Cemetery Mt. Vernon Rd. Augusta.

Donations may be made in her name to the Children’s Home for Little Wanderers or the Harold Alfond Cancer Center.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Harold Alfond Cancer Center as well as the nursing staff at Maine General Medical Center in Augusta, for all their care and support through Barb’s illness.

“Have the courage to accept the life you have and the humor to enjoy it.”

Arrangements are under the care of Kincer Funeral Home 130 Pleasant St. Richmond, Me 04357