Avis Ilene Bowers, 92, of Wiscasset, peacefully joined her heavenly family on Sept. 8 after a three-month stay at St. Andrews Village in Boothbay Harbor.
As a kind soul with an adventurous spirit, Avis brought joy to all who knew her. Born on Jan. 29, 1925 in Portland to Doris (Denbow) and Raymond Colpritt, Avis was a lifelong Maine resident. Her love of caring for others led her to become a CNA and then a daycare & nursery school assistant in the Damariscotta area. She loved children, having five of her own, and was most happy when surrounded by her large family and friends who will miss hearing stories of her travels while enjoying her fantastic pies. She was proud of all the places she had traveled including England, Norway, Holland, Germany and even Alaska.
Avis was a lover of music and an active player of the cello even in the later years of her life, having played for several years with the Seacoast Orchestra in Newcastle and also at her church, First Baptist Church of Nobleboro right up until March of this year. In addition to being a beloved member of her church, she was also an active community member. As a member of the Alna chapter of TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) she was a true inspiration and very proud to achieve the status of KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly).
Avis is predeceased by her parents; husband, William Bowers; second husband, Henry Lutter; and her first husband Melville Whitcomb and their children Linda Whitcomb, Bruce Whitcomb, Steven Whitcomb, and Lyra Trott; siblings, Shirley, Frances, Raymond, Virginia, Dottie and Barbara; grandchildren, Melanie Furbish and Jennifer Carrignan; and great-grandchild, Kevin Lachapelle.
Avis is survived by beloved daughter, Lisa Gustafson and husband Benhard “Gus” Gustafson III of Wiscasset, with whom she resided for the past five years; step-sons, Doug Bowers of Washington, Fred Bowers and wife Mary of Alna, and Peter Bowers and wife Peggy of Arizona; 19 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; many beloved nieces especially Ramona Gallaher; nephews; and extended family members. She also leaves special friends June Caton, Martha Scudder and Ron Pinkham.
A church service will be held at 1 p.m., Sat., Sept. 23 at the First Baptist Church of Nobleboro, 8 Back Meadow Rd., Nobleboro.
Arrangements are under the care of Direct Cremation of Maine, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast.