2018 obituary. Barbara Enid Perkins 94 of Casco, Maine and Sarasota, Florida went home to be with her Savior on October 17, 2018, at Sarasota Health and Rehab. Barbara was born in Portland, Maine to Charles and Ruth Bragdon on July 19, 1924. She attended Portland schools and graduated from Deering High School in 1942. During this time, Barbara's brother, Charles Bragdon worked at the South Portland Shipyard which built Liberty Ships in World War II. There, Charles introduced Barbara to a friend and co-worker, Ivan Perkins who would become her lifelong love and friend. The two were married on July 10, 1943. They recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. To support their family, Barbara worked as a telephone operator at the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company. Ivan worked as a car inspector at the Rigby Yard for the Maine Central Railroad. He then went on to a lifelong career establishing Ivan's Motor Sales. Barbara joined the South Portland Maine Church of the Nazarene where she continued to be a member for over 70 years along with her husband, Ivan. There she taught Sunday school, was a leading soprano soloist in the choir, worked on numerous committees and made food for church activities. Her greatest gift was one that she probably was not even aware. Barbara had a love for people and Christ that naturally drew them to her home. She lived a life for Jesus that would have rivaled the most compelling words of any evangelist. Her gift of hospitality was a welcomed oasis to many a weary heart. Ladles of love and helpings of hugs were spooned out daily. Many prayers and praises were spoken around her table over a cup of her special coffee blend of compassion and joy. Her greatest pride and prayers went to her family. She and Ivan were the strength and beacon that always shined a path for us to Jesus. Even in the joy of her home going, it is a struggle to imagine a day without her heart of love beating among us. Barbara is survived by her devoted husband, Ivan of 75 years; her children, Her sister and husband Roberta and Peter Lucas; and "adopted children". Barbara has 4 children, 11 grandchildren, 22 great- grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. A celebration of life service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, October 27th at the Coastal Community Church of Sarasota, 3375 Fruitville Rd.