ALBANY TOWNSHIP — Margaret A. Barton, 74, died peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017 surrounded by her loved ones, after a long battle with cancer.

Margaret was born in Portland on Jan. 3, 1943, the daughter of Stewart and Berenice Grimmer. She attended Fryeburg Academy, where she met her high school sweetheart, Franklin Barton, whom she married after graduating in 1961. She and Franklin had three sons, Jeffery, Brett and James.

In 1971, the family moved from Baldwin to Albany Township. During her lifetime, she served many roles from childcare provider, a dairy farmer’s wife, and later partner of Barton’s Pick Your Own Strawberries Farm. She was very active in the Albany Congregational Church, where she served as president of the Ladies Church Circle, taking the lead in organizing the summer church suppers. She was a member of the Bethel Red Hatters Society. Margaret was an avid reader. She also enjoyed traveling and swimming. Her greatest joy, however, was her family, who benefited from her devotion, authenticity and willingness to help.

She was predeceased by her parents, Stewart and Berenice Grimmer; and her son, Jeffrey S. Barton.

She is survived by her husband, Franklin F. Barton of Albany; sons Brett Barton and James Barton, both of Albany; and eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Services were held on Sunday, Jan. 22 at the Albany Congregational Church. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main Street, South Paris. Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.chandlerfunerals.com