WATERVILLE – Jean Marie Mower, 51, passed away unexpectedly on the afternoon of July 24, at Maine General after a long illness.

She was born on Jan. 9, 1955, in Waterville the daughter of Eldora and Lyle Strickland. After graduating from Messalonskee High School in Oakland, she worked as a hairdresser, and then several years for the state of Maine before retiring in 1991.

She was an avid reader and had her own library of books. She loved needlepoint and embroidery. She enjoyed the companionship of her three cats, Sammy, Gypsy, and Angel. She was also a strong advocate for animal welfare and a supporter of the Waterville Human Society.

She is survived by her husband, John Mower of Waterville; her son, Kyle Boucher of Augusta; her sister, Elizabeth Stirckland of Skowhegan; her mother, Eldora Strickland of Winslow; her father, Lyle Strickland of Belgrade; her nephew, Ashley Strickland of Arvanda, Colo.; several aunts and uncles and many cousins, living mostly in Waldo County.