Bowerbank – Ruth Barbette Schafer, 77, passed away at Northern Light Mayo Regional Hospital on May 7, 2020, following a stroke. She was born February 2, 1943, in Wellesley, MA, the third child of Robert and Ruth (Johnson) Clement. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Major John D. Schafer, U.S. Air Force and her son, Scott C. who both died in 1979. Barbette held a Master’s Degree in Nursing and an MBA from Harvard University. She served as emergency nurse administrator at Fairfax, VA; nurse at Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Boston, MA; and pediatric nurse supervisor at Tufts New England Medical Center, Boston, MA. Upon moving to Maine, Barbette was Director of Nursing at Sebasticook Valley Health Care Center. She worked as nurse educator at Dexter Health Care, Dexter, and Courtland Rehabilitation and Living Center, Ellsworth. Barbette had a passion for helping others and volunteered as a member and past president of the Cosmopolitan Club in Dover-Foxcroft. She inspired Bowerbank residents by starting the Bowerbank Library, housed in the town’s 100 year-old one room schoolhouse and historical society. She served ten years as chairman of the library committee and raised funds to restore the building which now serves residents and visitors through the summer months with wholly donated books, tapes, and books on tape. Barbette always enjoyed adventure. She lived in England for a while, and saw most of Europe with her son, Keith. She also visited forty-six states. Barbette’s greatest joy was being on her shore of Sebec Lake, keeping charge of her friends who visited her daily: the mergansers, great blue heron, beaver, red squirrels, and hummingbirds. Most important were her mallards, Harold and Matilda, who have come for over 15 years and every year, Matilda brings her new downy brothers and sisters on their very first swim in June to Barbette’s dock. Barbette is survived by her son, Keith and Kimberley, and granddaughters, Viola and Miranda, all of Jacksonville, FL. She is survived by her soul mate, friend and partner of 33 years, David T. Lockwood, of Bowerbank Barbette has sisters, Joan Pickett of Virginia Beach, VA, Nancy Richards of Pittsburgh, PA, and Susan and Steven Schreurs of Olney MD, and a brother, Robert and Nancy Clement of Norwood, MA, as well as many nephews and nieces, The family extends its deep appreciation to the staff at Mayo Regional Hospital for their comprehension, competence and compassion from the emergency department, medical-surgical floor and comfort care center during Barbette’s care. A celebration of life will be held when friends and family can gather safely following Covid-19. Barbette will be interred in the Town of Bowerbank Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.