NORWAY — Patti Julia McCabe, 45, of Waterford, left this world unexpectedly on Wednesday, Sept. 12, at Stephens Memorial Hospital.

The redheaded and freckled daughter of James A. McCabe and Lucy M. (Varney) McCabe, was born May 12, 1967, in Norway. Patti spent most of her life in the area and was married to Richard E. Barker of Waterford for 15 years, with whom she had three children: Elizabeth, Richard and Julia. She met her best friend, David Miller in 2001, and in 2005, the two of them welcomed their daughter, Sophie into the world.

Patti loved helping and taking care of people. She worked as a CNA at Bridgton Healthcare for eight years and later on was a part of the Spurwink Program in Casco, where her loving, motherly nature that came so natural to her, shown through. Patti’s love of children, as well as her wish to make a difference in everyone’s life, no matter how small it may be, led her to open up her own in-home daycare for several years. “Pat Pat’s Place” as the daycare was known as, was one of Patti’s greatest moments in life.

Patti was compassionate, sweet and a kindhearted woman. She had a generous soul and was always willing to help someone out. She had a great sense of humor and was a story teller, often making those around her laugh when she told a story — whether it be fact or fiction.

Patti enjoyed the simple things in life like, the colors of the leaves during the autumn season, the ocean, crocheting and knitting, sewing, Christmas, cooking, Ken’s Kove and Ocean Pearl and hours of laughter that would take place during Sunday dinner and game night.

But most of all, Patti treasured and cherished the time she spent with her four children and two grandchildren. She was always talking about them and how proud she was of her kids and how excited she had been when she was told she was going to be a Nana. Patti loved her children with all her heart and she made sure that each of them knew it.

Patti is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Barker, 26, of Waterford; son, Richard L. Barker, 24, of Waterford and his wife, Teresa Barker; daughter, Julia G. Barker, 20, of Auburn and fiance, Matthew Frost; daughter, Sophie A. Miller, 7, of Waterford; granddaughter, Lucy Frost; grandson, Decker Barker; her companion, David Miller; father, James A. McCabe of Stockholm; seven sisters, Thelma, Luann, Delilah, Cheryl, Laura, Heather and Mindy; three brothers, Jesse, Charlie and John; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, whom she loved like her own kids; and countless friends.

Patti touched the lives of many and she will be greatly missed.

Patti was predeceased by her grandparents, Harold and Beryl Varney; mother, Lucy McCabe; and two nephews, Charles Hafner and Troy McCabe Sargent.

Patti’s children and family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the staff at Stephens Memorial Hospital for the kindness and consideration that was shown to them on Wednesday, during their time of mourning.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.