Mary Elliot Bowles Colwell

WEST GARDINER – Mary Elliot Bowles Colwell, 92 passed away peacefully at home on May 19, 2023, with family at her side.

Mary was born in Machias, Maine on June 13, 1930, to Elliot and Mary Welch Bowles. She was a graduate of Machias High School and the Washington State Teachers’ College in Machias and was a member of Sigma Phi Tau Sorority. Mary wed Ralph I Colwell of Eastport, Maine in August of 1950. Together they raised their four children living in Machias, Portland, Texas, and settled in Gardiner for many years.

Mary was an elementary educator for many years and concluded her career by opening her home to teach preschool children at Pooh Corner Nursery School from 1973 to 1983. She was always grateful and humbled when former students would see her and reminisce about their fond childhood memories. Her love of children continued as she cared for her grandchildren through their growing years. After losing her beloved husband to cancer in 1996, Mary became a hospice volunteer for many years, helping numerous families through the loss of their loved ones.

Mary and her family maintained their strong Down East roots, spending summers on Bog Lake in Northfield with dear friends, trips to Eastport and countless fishing adventures where she was known to catch the biggest trout. Even with declining health the last few years she was able to enjoy annual summer stays at Bog Lake with her daughter and her family. Her bond with her grandchildren and great grandchildren was truly a blessing.

Mary leaves behind her sons Pat (Patty) of Bath, Bill (Charlene) of Brunswick, Bob (Cary) of Hallowell and her daughter Jennifer Wing of West Gardiner. Grandchildren Dale Eaton (Shayne) of Longmont, Colorado, Patrick Colwell (Francine) of Gardiner, Ethan Ballew of Hallowell, Erin McGrath (Chris) of Farmingdale; Bodie Colwell (Andy Smith) of Brunswick; Justin Wing (Anthony Tripi) of Brunswick; Tyler Wing (Ashley) of Pittston; Seth Wing (Mariah) of Pueblo, Colorado; and Michelle McDougal (Michael) of Hallowell, their eight children and four grandchildren. She was a special Great Nana to Ruby Colwell, Elliot Colwell, Elijah Wing, Owen Wing, Asa Colwell, Parker Tripi and Lennyn Wing. Also surviving are her brother Leonard Bowles (Jean) of Machias and sister-in-law, Frances Colwell Mitchell of Eastport, many nieces and nephews, and special Down East friends that were considered family.

Mary was known as “Nana” to many and always greeted them with warm smiles and kindness. Her favorite times were spent gathering with family and friends where many special stories were shared, and food was bountiful. Her long, beautiful life was a blessing to all who knew her.

Mary’s family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her Hospice team: Emily, Ashley, Kate, Jake, Jess, and River, who provided loving care and guidance in honoring her wish to remain at home with her family.

Celebrations of Mary’s life will be held this summer at her home in West Gardiner and in her hometown of Machias.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com

Donations may be made in Mary’s memory to MaineGeneral Hospice,

P.O. Box 828,

Waterville, ME 04903, http://www.give.mainegeneral.org/hospice