AUBURN — Elinor J. Rowe, 86, a longtime Auburn resident of Skillings Corner Road, died early Thursday, Oct. 7, at the Hospice House with her family by her side after a short illness.

She was born in Auburn, Nov. 29, 1923, the daughter of Dana and Alice (Hartshorn) Austin. She was a graduate of Edward Little High School.

Elinor was a member of Turner Extension, her bridge club, ThursdayGirls, and the former Club 15. She was proud to have been a 50-year member of Pine Cone Chapter 26 of the Order of Eastern Star in Auburn.

Family and life long friends brought her much enjoyment in life. The camping trips to Sebago Lake, sailing out of Bailey Island, and her winter trips to Florida with her husband, Sydney made her most happy to share those times with family and friends. She also loved spending time with her therapy dog, Buddy.

Survivors include her husband, Sydney Rowe, whom she married in 1944 of Auburn; one son, Anthony D. Rowe and his wife, Donna, of Rumford; one daughter, Lynda Janelle and her husband, Raynaldo, of Turner; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by one sister, Juanita Hodgkins; and one great-grandson.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.