Barbara MacKenzie Castle, 100, of Morris passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2016 surrounded by her children and close family. She was the widow of Jesse H. Castle. Barbara was born on January 7, 1916 on Prince Edward Island, the daughter of James and Carrie MacKenzie of Millinocket, Maine.

Barbara was best known for her love of life and strong determination. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing, including from her own boat which she acquired after retiring.

Forever a caregiver to those in need, Barbara was generous to a fault, never expecting anything in return from those she helped. The door to her home was always open to drop-in visitors and she had a welcoming heart to the friends of her children.

Family and friends will remember her as an amazing cook, able to put on a feast with little notice that would more than satisfy all present. Cooking was her way of bringing loved ones together and she was most appreciated for her chocolate cakes. Never one to sit still, Barbara enjoyed crafts and tinkering in her workshop.

Barbara was one of 19 children born into a family of simple means, but as testimony to her strength of character, she always claimed that while growing up she “never wanted for anything” and was grateful for all that she had.

Barbara is survived by sons Enos Castle of Mexico, Maine and Stanley Castle and his wife Claudia of New Vineyard, Maine, daughters Bernie Lambert of Torrington and Janet Luzi and her husband David of Litchfield. She was predeceased by a son, Jesse of Litchfield, husband to Dorothy Kellogg Castle.

Surviving siblings include a brother Ronald and three sisters, Sylvia, Katherine and Betty Lou. Predeceased siblings include brothers Kenneth, John, James, Robert, Gerald, Garfield, Enos and Thomas and sisters Lula, Dorothy, Annie and three infants.

Barbara’s extended family includes seven grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions can be made in Barbara’s honor to the American Heart Association, P. O. Box 5022, Wallingford, CT, 06492.