Barbara Jean (Merserve) Paradis

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Barbara Jean Paradis

OXFORD — Barbara Jean (Meserve) Paradis peacefully passed away on Monday, March 4, 2013. She was in the comfort of her own home with her loving family by her side. She was born November 26, 1927, sole daughter of Josephine A. McAllister and Robert Meserve.

She grew up in the town of Norway and was a graduate of Norway High School in 1946. She attended Mount Ida College in Newton, MA with plans to become an airline stewardess. Her schooling was interrupted as she was needed to work in her mother’s restaurant (Barjo’s - a past landmark in Norway).

Restaurant work began at an early age at Barjo’s and continued throughout her life. Her restaurant career finished in 1996 at The Country Way Restaurant in South Paris. The Country Way Restaurant was opened in July 1966 by her and her husband, Henry Paradis. The restaurant, a destination for Mainers from all over the state, was known for its famous “smorgasbord.”

She married Henry Paradis of Buckfield on October 4, 1949. She deeply loved her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was the happiest with her house full of family and laughter. She enjoyed time with all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whether that was reading, baking or doing puzzles. She loved each one of her family in distinct and unique ways. This love and compassion was one of the legacies she has left to all of those who knew and loved her.

Mrs. Paradis is survived by her three daughters, Andrea Knightly and husband Richard of Norway, Joline Paradis of Oxford and Darcy and Daniel McCabe of Kingston, MA; one son, Robert Paradis and wife Lynn of Norway; grandchildren, John Paradis and wife Donna of Redding, CA, Nick Paradis of West Paris, Benjamin Tucker IV and wife Lisa of Penfield, NY, Scott Paradis and wife Chris of Brunswick and Katherine Cushman of Lewiston and great-grandchildren, Hunter and Wyatt Paradis of Redding, Robert, Sophia and Gabriel Paradis of West Paris, Benjamin and Evangeline Tucker of Penfield and Abigail Cushman and James Pushee of Lewiston. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Henry and a great-grandchild, Cheyenne Paradis.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, March 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Oxford Hills and Weston Funeral Services, 1037 Main St., Oxford. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 9 at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in South Paris. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Responsible Pet Care, P.O. Box 378, Norway, ME 04268. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.