WATERVILLE – Harriet Eleanor Niles, 87, of Waterville passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on Thursday, Dec. 9, at Maine General Medical Center, Waterville.

She was born in Wilton on Nov. 11, 1917, a daughter of Arthur and Maude Rowe. The youngest of four children, she grew up in Wilton, a beautiful farm girl who lived at the top of scenic Walker Hill. Two of her sisters, now in their 90s, still reside in Livermore.

She was a graduate of Wilton Academy.

After residing for decades at Empire Grove Methodist Campground in East Poland, Harriet had lived for the past two years at the Carlson’s Building in downtown Waterville. There she met an entire community of wonderful new friends. She was blessed to still live independently, surrounded by friends and family.

Mrs. Niles married the Rev. Frederick Niles in Wilton on July 18, 1936. She supported her husband in his ministry in Methodist churches in Maine during their 46 years of marriage. They served their Lord and their parishes in the following communities: Fryeburg Harbor, Dexter, Corrina, Westbrook, Livermore Falls, Bath, Lewiston, Belfast, Mechanic Falls, and Minot.

Ultimately, they retired to the Empire Grove Methodist Campground, where they still have a little cottage, filled with their folk art, nestled in the Maine woods. Harriet and Fred had three children, Diana, Norman and Elizabeth. Their son, Norman, was born profoundly handicapped and died at the age of 26 years old. Just days before Harriet passed away, she dreamt of holding Norman in her arms once again. Today, she is joined with her beloved husband and son in heaven.

She was renowned for her fabulous herb and flower gardens. She was an organic gardener for decades before it became in vogue. She remained up to date and well read about political issues. She wrote beautiful poetry and kept a journal, and was an accomplished quilter. She was a wonderful and loyal friend, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved to visit with friends while sipping tea, and was hostess of hundreds of lovely tea parties for her many guests. Her family and friends will remember her as a fun loving, beautiful, wise and spiritual lady.

She is survived by her two daughters, Diana Jean Rowe of Fairfield, and Elizabeth Joan Bady of Lincoln, Neb. She is also survived by three granddaughters, Katherine Lynn Lemieux of Berlin, N.H., Jennifer Ann Rowe-Haney of Fairfield, and the Rev. Krista Beth Atwood of Manchester, Conn.; two son-in-laws, Michael Lemieux and Gary Atwood; seven great-grandchildren, Quinson Lancaster, Maxwell, Diana and Connor Haney, Michael and Matthew Lemieux, and Benjamin Atwood. She also proudly had five great-great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband, one brother, and son.

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