Barbara Higgins Bodwell, 1923–2012

University of Maine graduate Barbara Higgins Bodwell, who sponsored the Barbara Bodwell Volunteer Center at the University of Maine and with her husband, Russell Bodwell, was awarded UMaine’s Stillwater Presidential Award in 2010, passed away Monday, Oct. 15., at her home in Orono.

“Barbara Bodwell was an inspiration to all of us, but especially to UMaine students,” UMaine President Paul Ferguson says. “Our Center for Service and Volunteerism bears her name because of her passion for leading by example and giving selflessly to help others. Through the years, Barbara and Russell’s commitment to their alma mater made UMaine a better place and will continue to make a difference in the lives of our students for years to come. Our thoughts are with Russell and the children. Their UMaine family shares in their loss.”

Bodwell, who was 89, graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor’s degree in clothing design from UMaine in 1945, according to an obituary in the Bangor Daily News, and participated in a number of student and service activities. She married Russell Bodwell in March 1946, and returned to the University of Maine while he finished his degree and graduate work. While Russell Bodwell was finishing his degree and graduate work, Barbara Bodwell worked at Fogler Library cataloging graduate degree theses. The Bodwells were the recipients of the Block M Award for outstanding services through the Alumni Association of the University of Maine and received UMaine’s the highest achievable award, the Stillwater Presidential Award, in 2010.

Survivors include her husband of 66 years, Russell, a sister, two daughters and a son, and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are welcome to support the family 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where a funeral service will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 19. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith after the service. Interment will be afterward at Ledgelawn Cemetery in Bar Harbor. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the University of Maine Foundation, Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469.

Contact: Jessica Bloch, (207) 581-3777