HALLOWELL – Gerine Leone Dowling, a lifelong resident of Augusta, journeyed into eternity on Aug. 2, 2022, at Hillside Terrance in Hallowell, Maine, following a full rich and blessed life. She was born Jan. 27, 1922, to Alfred and Leone (Shaw) Toulouse. She attended Webster School Saint Augustine with a brief time in a Convent in Coaticook, Quebec Canada. She returned to Augusta and graduated from Cony High School Class of 1941. Following High School, she attended Gates Business School.

On Sept. 21, 1942, she married the love of her life, a young Army Aircorp soldier, James “Jim” Dowling, and together they celebrated 70 years of a loving “partnership. For two years while Jim was serving in the Pacific Theater, Gerine worked for her dad at his grocery store. She and her daughter lived with her parents until Jim came home from the war.

They enjoyed life in a home they built together on Murray Street surrounded by wonderful neighbors. They summered with family at their cottage on the lake. They had a circle of dear friends gathered over a lifetime who brought joy and richness to their lives. They were active together in their community and church.

Family was always a priority and mom dedicated her talents and expertise as a temp during tax season for the Internal Revenue Service just to provide the extra needs and comforts for her home and kids. She always found time for, baking bread and cookies, attending PTA meeting, she helped with scouts, sewing and mending, nursing our bumps, bruises, egos and childhood afflictions. She took great pride in her home and was a creative decorator. Everyone would know her favorite color was blue. At the age of 42 she earned her Real Estate license and opened an agency with her brother which served the Augusta area for 25 years.

She was a member of the Kennebec Board of Realtors, a Cooperator for the First Consumers Bank, a member of At Andrew’s Church and Eucharistic minister. She was the last living charter member of The Daughters of Isabella serving as a past Vice Regent. She was also a member of the Ultreya Cursillo Movement, a Rotary Anne and a party to the After Mass Breakfast Club.

Gerine is survived by her daughter Karen Foster, husband Thomas, Son Stephen Dowling, wife Suzanne Allarie, Daughter in law Kimberly Brann Dowling, widow of son William (Bill), Sister-in-Law Betty Dowling Westgate (Robert), God Daughter Lynda Dostie (Patrick) and many loved nieces, nephews and many franko cousins she treasured.

Gerine was predeceased by her Parents, husband Jim, son William (Bill), Grandson Gregory, sister Vivian Ouellette (Ronald), brother Kenneth Toulouse, niece Patricia Damboise, along with many departed friends who will welcome her into paradise.

She loved her grandchildren: James (JT), Dan, Bryan, and Adam Foster and their spouses respectively, Becky, Kandra, Lori, and Jen. John Dowling, Erin Dowling Kane (Sean), Kahler and Justin Dowling, Cassie and Logan McKenna and Jen Booker.

She Celebrated 13 great grandchildren and loved their visits. Thomas, Katherine, Landon, Owen, Andrew, Joshua, Madeline, Lauren, Charlie, and Francis Foster. Tristian and Isabella Dowling and Lillian Booker.

Gerine will be watching over the dear friends she made during her time at Hillside Terrace. The family would like to thank the Administration and staff at Hillside for their loving care and compassion. Thank you to Androscoggin Home and Healthcare for the extra eyes, hands on expertise and comfort care during her final days. Thank you to her friend and Physician Dr Gene Cheng for the many years of helping her manage her health care.

Mum we are grateful for the legacy of grace, dignity, love, and of course good genes. Rest in Peace at 100 years young you did great.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St Augustine Church on August 13, 2022 at 10, a.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

Those wishing to make a donation in her memory may send to: Androscoggin Home Health Care and Hospice, 15 Strawberry Ave, Lewiston, ME, 04240, or Augusta Food Bank, 161 Mount Vernon Ave,

Augusta, ME, 04330.

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