Frances Melba Barteau

Frances Melba Barteau, age 77 passed away on Sunday, August 7, 2005. Born in Perryville, Maryland, on April 22, 1928, she was the daughter of the late James C. and Jessie Olga Salter Crouch. Mel grew up in a lighthouse in Turkey Point, Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay with her grandmother who was the lighthouse keeper. She spent hours describing her life at the lighthouse as a wonderful way to grow up. Even though she moved from it, her heart never left Maryland. Mel viewed the world through the eyes of an artist. She received her inspiration for most pf her painting from animals and all of the vibrant colors she saw in nature. She also was a decorative duck carver and entered her pieces in art shows on the east coast as well as Texas. Her favorite memories of carving ducks were with her father after his retirement. Mel's many passions and eccentricities are too many to mention. For her family and those that loved her, her light will continue to shine, her pallet's colors will remain vibrant. Mel is survived by her Husband, John; Children, Ted Barteau, Gil Barteau and his wife, Patty, Suzanne McGinnis and her husband, Ronnie, and Peter Barteau, and his wife, Kate; Eleven Grandchildren. Funeral Services will be 10:00 A.M., Friday 12, 2005 at the Crouch Funeral Home, 127 South Main Street, North East, Maryland. Burial will follow services in Harts Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Memorials be made to Turkey Point Light Station, Inc., P.O. Box 412, North East, MD 21901. For condolences, visit www.crouchfuneralhome.com