Dorothy M. Ramsdell

LEWISTON – Dorothy, “Dottie”, took her final breath on Oct. 30, 2024 after a brief illness.

She was the second daughter born to Micheal and Mae Sheloske on March 12, 1935, in Lisbon Falls. Early in her childhood, Dorothy developed a deep bond with her big sister, Louise (1930-1992). Their love and support of each other continued throughout their lives. Dorothy also had two younger brothers, Gordon (1937-1961) and David (1954-2020).

Dorothy attended Auburn schools. In her senior year, her vivacious personality resulted in her being named head cheerleader for Edward Little (1952-1953). In 1957, she married Calvin Bowie of Auburn. They were parents of three children, James, Thomas, and Karla. She became a proud “Grammy” of four grandchildren and then became “GiGi” to five great-grandchildren.

Dorothy married her second husband, Carleton Ramsdell of Turner, on Aug. 4, 1967. They shared 57 years of life together enjoying their home in Auburn, nurturing family and their cat, “Squeak”. It is said they knew all the best ice cream stands in a 1,000-mile radius of Auburn!

Dorothy was an exceptional homemaker who was always busy with a decorating project, experimenting with a new recipe, or tending her gardens. She, alone, carried on a family tradition passed down from her father, Mike Sheloske. He had perfected a homemade smoked sausage recipe known as Kielbasa. Once or twice a year, Dorothy would tackle this production, making 30-plus pounds to be shared with family and fans locally, much to their delight!

Dorothy loved to cook and making pies was her absolute specialty. Everyone’s favorite pie was baked, sometimes up to 10 pies were on the Thanksgiving table! You may have even seen her driving around town with her vanity plate PIMAKA.

She was a talented seamstress and crafter. Dorothy was active for several years attending craft fairs featuring her heirloom-quality Santa dolls and angels. Her work was also sold in coastal gift shops.

Outside of her home, Dorothy had two careers in her lifetime. She spent 31 years in the Telecommunication Industry as an operator, retiring as a manager. After retiring from her first career, she joined the staff at L.L.Bean as a floor stocker for 17 years.

Her other enjoyment was traveling with friends which included a cross-country trip from Maine to California. Her favorite destinations were Arizona and California.

Dorothy’s caring nature and sense of humor will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by family, many friends, and co-workers. She was the Matriarch of our family.

A graveside service honoring Dorothy’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. at Mt. Auburn Cemetery. A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. till the time of the graveside services at The Fortin and Pinette Group, 217 Turner St., Auburn, 783-8545.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at http://www.thefortingroupauburn.com.