Jane Lorraine Gowell

Born on October 25, 1933, in Lewiston, Maine, she was raised in Auburn and graduated from Edward Little High School in 1953. Jane grew up in a French-speaking household and was incredibly proud of her French heritage.

After spending many summers in Old Orchard Beach, Jane eventually made Saco her home, purchasing a house in the Ferry Beach area as well as Kinney Shores, where she resided with her family and helped take care of her granddaughter, Amanda. She spent winters in Pembroke Pines, Florida with her mother for many years where she owned a condo next door to her beloved uncle and aunt.

A dedicated homemaker, Jane always made sure everyone in her life was well taken care of. She loved preparing meals and sending everyone home with snacks, always thinking of others. One of her favorite pastimes was sending thoughtful cards and writing long handwritten letters, which showed her deep care for those she loved.

Jane had a remarkable career. She worked for the company her father founded, L and A Heel in Lewiston, before spending many years as the secretary for the Lewiston Parks and Recreation Department. She owned and operated her at home poodle grooming salon and continued to work on her own right up until her 91st birthday. Later, she and her son-in-law opened and operated the Waters Edge Restaurant in downtown Auburn. As Jane approached retirement, she continued to work at Jimmy's Restaurant in Auburn, before eventually retiring from the Village Inn in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, where she spent her final years of professional life.

She took great pride and showed enormous tenacity in everything she did, living by the attitude that “life goes on, you must do what you have to do,” a philosophy that guided her through all of life’s challenges. She lived a full life blessed with love and friendship. As three generations of only children her bond and relationship with her daughter and granddaughter was rare and extremely special. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Jane is survived by her daughter, Deborah A. Powers (née Gowell) and her husband, Gregory R. Powers of Saco; her granddaughter, Amanda J. Powers of Lyman; her nieces, Judy Gosselin (née Goulet and Gowell) of Scarborough and Elizabeth "Betsy" Vallee (née Gowell) of Auburn; and their mother, Mary Gowell (née Sullivan) of Auburn. She was preceded by her mother, Priscilla A. Ducharme (née LePage), her father, Laurent R. Ducharme, both formerly of Lewiston, and her former husband, Ray I. Gowell formerly of Auburn.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the amazing care team on R2 at Maine Medical Center for the exceptional care and compassion they provided to Jane during her final days. Their kindness and support were greatly appreciated by the family.

A Liturgy of the Word and Committal Prayers will take place on Monday, February 24th at 1PM at St. Peter's Cemetery in Lewiston, Maine.

Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin & Pinette Group Funeral Home | 217 Turner Street Auburn, Maine 04210 | (207) 783-8545