BATH - Barbara Hughes Hanson passed away on Oct. 15, 2010, at the Hill House Assisted Living residence in Bath. She was born in Long Branch, N.J., on June 15, 1912, the daughter of the Rev. Thomas Bennett Hughes and Sarah Mayhew Hughes. She graduated as valedictorian from Deep River High School in Connecticut in 1930, earned her bachelor's degree at Pembroke College in 1934, and her master's degree in psychology from Brown University in 1937. Her research was in the field of teaching the neurologically impaired child. She taught remedial reading to dyslexic and 'special needs' children in private schools: the Park School in Indianapolis, Ind., and the Moses Brown School in Providence, R.I. In 1960, she assumed a position as guidance counselor at Cony High School until her retirement in 1970. She particularly enjoyed helping students select appropriate programs as they planned their educational future. She placed great value on education and was especially proud that all of her grandchildren graduated from college. She was proud to be a lifelong learner. During her 28 years as an Augusta resident, Barbara enjoyed volunteering with young people in Girls Scouts and church work. She was one of the founders of the Kennebec Valley Mental Health Association, a member of the American Association of University Women, a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Educator's Society, a member of the South Parish Congregational Church, and the Maine Chapter of the Nature Conservancy. Barbara married John Clinton Hanson in 1939 and during World War II was a Navy wife, one of 'the hardest jobs in the Navy.' She and John loved the outdoors and shared their skills at camping, climbing, hiking, and skiing with their family. She also loved the ocean, and in 1973, the Hansons built a new home at Seawood Park in New Harbor. They loved boating, and Barbara became adept at co-navigating their Boston Whaler as they explored the Maine coast for many years. They also enjoyed travel, especially their visits to Europe and Alaska. During her time in New Harbor, Barbara was a member of the Lincoln County Retired Teachers Association as well as the area AAUW. She also participated as a Lincoln County Lifeline volunteer. As one of the few year- round Seawood Park residents, she became the unofficial caretaker of her neighbor's homes, watering plants and checking properties for them. She hosted many gatherings for friends and family. Few blueberry and blackberry bushes escaped her notice, as she often made delicious blackberry jelly, blueberry muffins and blueberry pies. In 1994, Barbara and John moved to The Highlands in Topsham, where they enjoyed new friends and activities. Barbara especially liked the van trips to Portland Symphony Orchestra performances and attending the Maine State Music Theater in Brunswick. She attended the First Parish Congregational Church in Brunswick, where she enjoyed her great-grandchildren's participation in the choir and pageants. She was feted at a gala 90th birthday celebration while at The Highlands. In 2002, Barbara moved into Cadigan Lodge to receive some assistance in her daily living. There, she made new friends and received many visitors, both family and friends. She still enjoyed short trips, especially to her beloved Maine coast. Surrounded by much of her family, she delighted in attending area events with her great-grandchildren. She happily participated in most Cadigan activities, especially enjoying music, trivia games and word contests. She celebrated her 96th birthday there. Her last few years have been spent at the Hill House, a wonderful residence in Bath. Barbara was predeceased by John, her husband of 59 years, in 1998. She was also predeceased by two sisters, Alethea Hughes Shumer and Theodora Hughes Meller; and five brothers, Bennett, Lorado, Theodore, Donald, and Judd Hughes. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law Christine H. and Larry B. Littlefeld of Old Orchard Beach and daughter and son-in-law Sarah H. and Warren T. Foster of Manchester; granddaughter and grandson-in-law Rebecca F. and Paul M. Sandlin of Topsham, granddaughter and grandson-in-law Pamela F. and Stetson H. Everett of Topsham, grandson and granddaughter-in-law Eric D. and Ariane C. Foster of Milton, Mass., granddaughter and grandson-in-law Suzanne L. and A. Clayton Boothby of Arlington, Va., and grandson and granddaughter-in-law Jonathan B. and Bridget C. Littlefield of Ellicott City, Md.; 12 great-grandchildren: Kayla Morong, Max Sandlin, Sarah Sandlin, Erika Everett, William Boothby, Alyssa Foster, Laura Littlefield, Alexander Foster, Matthew Boothby, Julia Littlefield, Caroline Boothby, and Jennifer Littlefield; sister Victoria H. Reiss of Shady and New York; sister Dr. Helen E. Hughes of Belfast; and many, many nieces and nephews. Her family would like to thank her caregivers, especially the kind staff at both Cadigan Lodge and Hill House, her physician, Dr. David Inger and her dentist Dr. Curtis Obery. Visitation for family and friends will occur at 10 a.m. on Nov. 27 at Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Cony High School Scholarship Fund at Cony High School, 60 Pierce Drive, Augusta, ME 04330. Condolences to the family may be sent to www.khrfuneralhomes.com