Mary Elizabeth Gowell

AUBURN – Mary Elizabeth (Sullivan) Gowell, 99, of Auburn, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, with family by her side. She will be dearly missed by all her family. Born in Lewiston, Jan. 5, 1927, the daughter of John J. and Mary E. (Gardner) Sullivan, she completed their family joining her sister Margaret and brother John. She attended St. Joseph’s School, making lifelong friends and graduated from Lewiston High School. While in high school, they created their own sorority called the Oompahs and often joked about it throughout their adult years. She had fond memories of helping her brother with his newspaper route and recalled that he sent her to the most difficult houses to collect payments! She attended Bliss College and was employed by United Shoe Machinery and Patron’s Oxford Insurance.

On June 21, 1947, she married Earl B. Gowell at St. Joseph’s Church, and they spent 60 wonderful years together prior to his passing on Aug. 3, 2007. They raised two daughters, Judy and Betsy. As a family, they enjoyed spending a few weeks each summer camping at Sebago State Park and time at the family camp on Bear Pond. Special family memories were annual trips to Reid State Park for lobster bakes and rides along Kancamagus Highway during foliage season.

She was a deeply faith-filled woman and was very active in parish life at St. Joseph’s church in Sodality. She was an avid fan and follower of the Boston Red Sox, a love which began when her father took her to see Ted Williams play ball. She brought her children to piano and swimming lessons, watched them cheer at sporting events, and often had cookies coming out of the oven when they got home. She cherished her grandsons and was very involved in their activities. They hold very special memories of her. Two labrador retrievers, T.C. and Lexa, lavished her with love and comfort. Very special thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Andwell Home Hospice who surrounded her with love. Along with her husband, she was predeceased by her grandson Cameron Goulet, parents, sister and brother. She is survived by her daughters Judy (Jerry) Gowell Gosselin, Betsy (Lance) Vallee, grandson Ryan (Laura) Goulet, great-granddaughters Annabelle and Yardley, and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at 11 a.m., at Sacred Heart Church in Auburn with spring burial at Mt. Auburn Cemetery.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared with family and friends at http://www.albert-burpee.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Albert & Burpee Funeral Home & Cremation Services 253 Pine St. Lewiston, ME (207) 782-7201.

Memorial donations may be made to Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, Dana Farber Cancer Institute or Andwell Health Partners.