1922 – 2016

AUBURN — Gabrielle P. Gorten, 93, passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday, April 20, with her loving family and her beloved dog, Gracie, by her side.

She was born in Easton on July 21, 1922, the daughter of the late Leon and Esther Pearl (Fitzgerald) Danforth.

Gabrielle grew up in Dexter and Bangor. She attended schools in Newport and Bangor, graduating from Bangor High School. She worked as a waitress for the Youth Administration during the war and later for a local shoe manufacturer as a shoe stitcher. On Dec. 11, 1944, she married the love of her life, Edwin L. Gorten, and was with him until his passing in 1984. Gabrielle spent the majority of her life in Auburn and was a member at the Court Street Baptist Church in Auburn. She was a member of the Court Street Baptist Church Ladies Circle, Young at Heart Senior Citizen Group and First Auburn Senior Citizens Group. She also enjoyed attending art class at her church and was a member of “Charlie’s Angels” Art Class.

Following the death of her husband, she found loving companionship with Charles “Charlie” Carson with whom she shared a joyful life until his passing in 2000. She used to dance with her special companion, Charlie, in Mechanic Falls, and they liked to travel together. One of her passions was art, especially oil painting. She had an extreme love of animals, once owning a pet mouse and a monkey, among many cats, dogs and other animals. She also enjoyed going out to eat with friends and family. Her favorite place to eat was Cook’s Lobster House on the ocean, and she would often enjoy a nice chocolate ice cream on a sunny day. She had a love of playing Skip Bo, bingo, and Uno on Saturday nights and enjoyed watching classic movies.

Anyone who knew Gabrielle knew that she would drop anything she was doing to go shopping for clothes with anyone who would go with her. She was quite a fashionable lady, making sure everything was coordinated and she especially loved anything in the color pink. She had a strong bond with her dog, her “baby” Gracie, who helped her through the last years of her life.

She is survived by her son, Terrence “Crow” Gorten of Auburn; her grandchildren, Melissa (Gorten) and her husband, Jason Chretien, of Bath, Sean and his wife, Jaime Gorten, of Gulf Breeze, Fla., and their children, Atalie and Ramsey; her nephew, Ernest Gorten and his wife, Maxine, of Pittsfield; and ex-daughter-in-law, Janine (Champagne) Pelchat of Monroe, N.C.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Edwin Gorten; and her special companion, Charles Carson; along with many treasured friends.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice for their expert care and support, especially to Colleen, Tammy, Mary, Danielle, Ciaran, Terry and Kate. The family would also like to thank the staff of St. Mary’s Medical Associates, especially Nan Boucher, ANP, and Medical Assistant Dawn. Special appreciation to Cassie Violette and Judy Cousins of Catholic Charities for their care and concern of Gabrielle over the years and in the last days of her life.

Friends and family are invited to offer their condolences or share memories by visiting Gabrielle’s online guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.

 

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