Obituary of Carolyn J. Dow

Carolyn J. Dow, 94 of China, Maine, passed away on April 3, 2025 at Lakewood Continuing Care in Waterville.  Born on February 1, 1931, in China to the late Thomas and Marie (Bumps) James, she graduated in 1948 from Erskine Academy and later Thomas College.

Having married Roy M. Dow, Jr., of Vassalboro in 1950, they enjoyed 65 years of marriage before his passing in May of 2016.  She and her husband built the China General Store and operated it for 12 years.  They enjoyed many years traveling to northern Maine for fishing and hunting along with spending summers in Pemaquid boating and camping with friends. 

Carolyn is predeceased by her parents, her in-laws Roy M. Dow, Sr., and Natalie (Monk) Dow, her grandson Jonathan White, and her son-in-law Gene Pierce.

Surviving are her children Laura Pierce of China, Susan White and husband Carrol of China, James Dow and wife Crystal of China, Jane Glidden and husband Rodny of Palermo, and Roberta Dionne and husband Scott of China, her 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, her sister Linda Lawrence and husband Robert of Clinton, niece Gretchen Knowlton, and nephews Ray and Roy Lawrence.

Carolyn's family would like to extend our heartfelt thank yous and gratitude to the exceptional and compassionate team at Lakewood Continuing Care that provided our mother with an extended family she loved. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lakewood Continuing Care Activities Program, 220 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Waterville, ME  04901.  

Graveside services will be held at 1:00pm Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the China Village Cemetery Extension, 148 Neck Road, China.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on her tribute page.