VINALHAVEN — Barbara Alcina Dyer passed away at Maine Medical Center July 11, 2012, after an extended period of declining health.

Barbie was born in Vinalhaven on Jan. 1, 1955, to Fay and Mary Maker Dyer, both of whom predeceased her. She graduated from Vinalhaven High in 1973 and the University of Farmington in 1979, where she earned a degree in social work. Barbie worked at the Counseling Center in Bangor for 10 years where she was a strong advocate for her clients’ rights.

She returned to Vinalhaven in 1988 to plan the next phase of her life, but the call of the island was too strong and here she remained for the rest of her life. Barbie’s interests were quilting, gardening, cooking, writing and music. The love of her life were her many nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss her dearly.

She is survived by her sister, Susan Radley of Vinalhaven; nephews, Gus Radley, his wife Britt and son Myles; Chris Radley, his wife Kim and sons, Jordan and Alec; Brennan Dyer, his wife Stormy and son Joe, all of Vinalhaven; Spencer Dyer, his wife Kristine and daughters Rhiannon and Sidney of Round Pond; Freeman Woodcock, and daughters, Hannah and Madison of South Thomaston; nieces, Kristine Ames, her husband, Troy and daughters Chelsea and Jennifer Guptill of Vinalhaven; Deanna Dyer and her son Tyrone, of Jacksonville, Fla.

Barbie was also predeceased by her brother, Rodney in 2002.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 21 at 1 p.m. in the Union Church with Bob Candage officiating. Interment at Cummings Cemetery will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.

To share a memory with Barbie’s family, please visit her Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland.