Elaine Elizabeth Gowell

Elaine was born in Lisbon Falls on August 27, 1947, the eldest daughter of Thurman and Marion Skelton. On July 15, 1967, she married Paul E. Gowell in Bowdoin.

Elaine spent the majority of her working years operating an in-home daycare, where she cared for generations of children. Her love for children extended well beyond her work, and she especially cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Elaine found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved going for car rides, taking walks along the Paper Mill Trail in Lisbon, attending outdoor concerts, tending to her garden, and dancing. She especially enjoyed her annual trips to the Topsham Fair with her sister and best friend, Beverly, and looked forward to the Fourth of July cookouts hosted each year by her younger brother, Ralph. Above all, Elaine treasured time spent with her family.

Elaine is survived by her three daughters, Sandra Gowell, Laurie Sarli and her husband, Paul, and Susan Perkins and her husband, Michael; her grandchildren, Andrew Minott and his partner, Hana, and Caroline Francoeur and her husband, Barry; her great-grandchildren, Samuel and Halle, and bonus great-grandchildren, Sofia and Liv. She is also survived by her sister, Beverly Sawyer; her brother, Ralph Skelton and his wife, Patricia; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Paul Gowell; her parents, Thurman and Marion Skelton; and her brother-in-law, William Sawyer.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 1 p.m. at West Bowdoin Cemetery, with a gathering of family and friends to follow at West Bowdoin Church.