ROCKLAND – Barbara E. Allen, 85, known to many as “Aunt Bobbie,”, died peacefully Feb. 2, 2016, at the Sussman House, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Rockland on June 20, 1930, she was the daughter of Vesper E. and Minnie B. Pitcher Grover. She was raised by her grandmother, Elizabeth Mae Blake Crockett, whom she considered her Mom. She was educated in Rockland schools.

In 1948, while working at an area nursing home, Barbara met Carl Gamage. They married and made their first home in Rockland. In 1955, they moved with their family of five children to Potsdam, N.Y. In 1968, they returned to Rockland, where Barbara has since resided.

Out of necessity, Barbara often raised her eight children on her own, even to the point of buying her own home. Her faith coupled with her tenacity to be a great role model for her children, gave Barbara the ability to raise her children to be the people they are today.

To support her family, Barbara often worked multiple jobs at one time. Her work included cleaning homes, working at W.T. Grant, at Duncan Donuts, vanBaalen's and at First National Stores.

After retiring, Barbara met one of her high school sweethearts, Fred S. Allen. They were married on Valentines Day in 1998, in Bristol, by Barbara's son, David. Together they made a wonderful life, and Barbara found her favorite job, serving as Fred's sternwoman.

Barbara was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Rockland, and the Rockland Lodge of Elks Emblem Club.

She enjoyed crafting, flower gardening, cats, crocheting and in earlier years enjoyed playing bingo.

Predeceased by her beloved husband, Fred in 2011; a sister, Dorothy; and a son-in-law, James Meyers; Barbara is survived by her children, Edna Stevens and her husband, Alfred, of Tuckerton, N.J., Gary Gamage and his wife, Bonnie, of Rockland, Gail Willey and her husband, Jerry, of Union, Craig Gamage and his wife, Vickie, of Warren, David Gamage and his wife, Sharon, of Woolwich, Karen Spearin and Rebecca Gamage, both of Rockland, and Gretchen Drake and her husband, Scott, of Lincolnville; her step-children, Donna Dennison and her husband, Steve, Rosemary Meyers, and Belinda Anderson and her husband, Barry, all of St. George; two brothers, the Rev. Donald Grover and his wife, Louise, of Richmond, Va., and James Brown of Michigan; 19 grandchildren, Darin, Kurt, Brian, Michael, Michelle, Jerry, John, Kim, Chris, Josh, Joe, Scott, Adam, Alisha, Sonja, Justina, Nathan, Malcolm and Nicole; 35 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit Tuesday, Feb. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland, where a funeral service will be held Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 1 p.m.

Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Pope Memorial Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 1290, Rockland, ME 04841.