Obituary of Avis Ilene Bowers

WISCASSET Avis Ilene Bowers, 92, peacefully joined her heavenly family on September 8th after a 3 month stay at St. Andrews Village in Boothbay Harbor, ME. As a kind soul with an adventurous spirit, Avis brought joy to all who knew her. Born on January 29, 1925 in Portland, ME to Doris (Denbow) & 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, her husband, William Bowers; her second husband, Henry Lutter, and her first husband Melville Whitcomb and their children Linda Whitcomb, Bruce Whitcomb, Steven Whitcomb, and Lyra Trott; as well as 7 siblings, Shirley, Frances, Raymond, Virginia, Dottie and Barbara; and two grandchildren, Melanie Furbish and Jennifer Carrignan; and one great grandchild Kevin Lachapelle. Avis is survived by beloved daughter Lisa Gustafson and husband Benhard "Gus" Gustafson III of Wiscasset whom she resided with for the past 5 years; step-sons Doug Bowers of Washington, Fred Bowers and his wife Mary of Alna, ME, and Peter Bowers and his wife Peggy of Arizona as well as 19 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren and 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 Saturday September 23rd at 1PM at the First Baptist Church of Nobleboro, 8 Back Meadow Rd, Nobleboro, ME 04555. Arrangements are under the care of Direct Cremation of Maine, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast.