SCARBOROUGH — Barbara J. Williamson, 81, of Scarborough, died Saturday, Aug. 31, at Maine Medical Center with her family at her side.

She was born in Boston on Jan. 3, 1932, a daughter of Thomas J. and Mary A. Lynch. She graduated from Rosindale High School with the class of 1949, and received a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from Boston State Teachers College, class of 1953.

She married John R. Williamson on July 2, 1955, at St. Theresa’s Church in West Roxbury, Mass.

Williamson was known as an exceptionally devoted caregiver. She told memorable stories about her son, her three grandchildren and her great-grandson. One of her greatest passions was working with children. She taught kindergarten and second grade for many years in the Boston area, and she would never pass up an opportunity to smile and wave at babies she would see.

Williamson was very active who was often referred to as a “busy bee.” Up until a year before her passing, she walked 3 miles a day to stay fit. At 81, Williamson would still attend an exercise class three times a week, Bingo outings twice a week, church every Saturday and many lunch dates each week with family and friends. She loved life and she lived it to the fullest.

She is predeceased by her husband, who died Nov. 16, 2009, and four sisters, Mary Richard, Dorothea Murphy, Jean Lynch and Claire Lynch.

She is survived by her son, John G. Williamson and his wife Amy Rolnick, of Portland; three grandchildren, Jennifer Braziel, Laura Gaudet and Timothy Williamson; two step-grandchildren, Noah and Eliana Finberg; great-grandson Jacob Braziel and her sister, Patricia Morin.

Williamson will be remembered for her laughter, her gentle kindness and most of all, the selfless compassion and unconditional love she had for everyone who knew her.

A Mass of Christian burial was held on Wednesday at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, Scarborough. Interment will be at a later date at Bourne National Veterans’ Cemetery, Bourne, Mass.