Barbara Ann McKenna-Brand

Barbara McKenna-Brand, age 85 of Old Orchard Beach, Maine passed away after a brief illness surrounded by her family on June 10, 2026. Born on September 12, 1940 in Manhattan, New York, Barbara was the daughter of Gerald H. Brand and Helen E. Kenna and beloved stepdaughter of Joseph W. Smith. Barbara moved to Bloomfield, NJ as a child, attending Sacred Heart, then graduating from Bloomfield High School. She often reflected on her happy memories in Bloomfield, enjoying hot fudge sundaes with walnuts on Monday nights while watching I Love Lucy. After graduation, she attended St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing, where she received her nursing diploma. She continued her nursing career in several capacities over the years, including nursing home care before she retired in 2020. Barbara moved to Fairfield, Connecticut with her family in the early 1970’s, where she spent several years before moving to Washington, DC, eventually settling in Maine in 1978 where she lived until her death. She loved Maine, especially the coast, but a piece of her heart was on Cape Cod where her daughter and three granddaughters lived, traveling there regularly over many years for visits and holidays. She was happiest when she was gathered with her family. She loved the ocean, especially sitting by Colony Beach in Kennebunkport with her many close friends and her family. She had many special places in Maine where she spent time, including Cape Porpoise, which she called her “happy place.” Her love of baseball was instilled in her at a young age by her grandfather and she became an avid, devoted Red Sox fan, well known by all who knew her. She could tell you many facts and statistics about players that most would not know. She loved journalism and the news world, always staying up-to-date with current events, and was a dedicated follower of several news anchors, both local and national. She often said that had she not pursued an education in nursing, she would have enjoyed a career in journalism. She rarely missed CBS Sunday Morning and always had a Sunday treat ready-usually crumb cake or a cinnamon roll from Café 64 in Ocean Park, Maine. She was also an avid weather watcher. We knew we could count on her to give us the forecast ahead of a specific event. Throughout her life, Barbara volunteered on several political campaigns at both the state and national level. She enjoyed being active in local Maine politics and wasn’t afraid to express her opinions about things she felt strongly about. Barbara was warm, full of life and the mother of four children. Her youngest daughter, Kerry passed away unexpectedly in July 2024. The pain of losing Kerry stayed with her every day and though she carried on, her heart was heavy. She was the beloved “Nanny” to her three granddaughters, Brittany, Kaley and Courtney and a cherished, longtime friend to many. She is survived by her children Carolyn Campbell of Ocean Park, Maine, Elizabeth Jenney (Gary) of Sandwich, Massachusetts, Danny Campbell of Branchville, New Jersey, and three granddaughters, Brittany Jenney (Jenn) of New Bedford MA, Kaley Jenney of Charlestown, MA and Courtney Starzynski (Anthony) of Wellesley, MA. She was predeceased by her daughter, Kerry Campbell of Great Neck, NY and her brother Kenneth Baker. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. A celebration of her life will be held at a future date. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.pinkelfuneralhome.com

Barbara Ann McKenna-Brand

September 12, 1940 - July 10, 2026